Johns Creek Herald, January 29, 2015

State House candidates

Raffensperger, Stewart give stances ►►PAGE 4

Human trafficking in Georgia Atlanta ranks in top 20 in country ►►PAGE 20

Songs of love for Valentine’s Ludwig Symphony in concert ►►PAGE 22

Raiders roll Alpharetta 14-0 this season ►►PAGE 31

January 29, 2015 | johnscreekherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 19, No. 5

Fulton passes $628M budget Restores all library hours, no millage increase needed

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – The Fulton County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a $628 million budget that did not raise the millage rate as feared, and instead left the county with a surplus. Meanwhile, commissioners completely restored the shortened hours of Fulton’s public libraries, which commissioners admitted was easily the most unpopular budgeting measure taken in 2014.

For the first time in more than two decades, commissioners unanimously passed HATCHER HURD/STAFF

Rivermont Golf Course Superintendent Mark Hoban unveils some of his earthworms hard at work creating the compost mulch that will ultimately feed his golf course. The earthworms themselves are raised on compost materials from the Rivermont food scraps and recycled paper. Hoban’s rich earthworm farm produces the nutrient-rich castings which are part of the golf course’s food chain.

Mark Hoban’s low-tech ideas keep golf course green Rivermont draws statewide attention using science, not chemicals

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Ask any golf course superintendent, and he or she will tell

you it takes a lot of fertilizer, fungicides, pesticides and herbicides to keep those manicured courses looking so good. But ask Rivermont Superintendent Mark Hoban,

WE’ve

got

See HOBAN, Page 44

See budget highlights, Page 12 a county annual budget. The 7-0 vote is the first unanimous approval for a county spending plan since 1991.

The fiscal year 2015 budget includes no millage rate

See BUDGET, Page 10

Council says action part of review of all contracts

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The Johns Creek City Council will begin a review of its outsourcing contracts for service as part of a decision made at the council’s retreat.

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and you will get a much different answer.

For the last three years, Hoban has been on a new path to keeping a golf course healthy, and he does it with a new philosophy in horticulture care. Don’t feed your plants, feed the soil, he says.

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tion with services provided by CH2M Hill, but it is part of good business practices to see what else is available,” said City Manager Warren Hutmacher. “We have been very satisfied with the job they have done.

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NEWSROOM Revue & News • Jonathan Copsey jonathan@appenmediagroup.com January 29,Herald 2015 | Johns Creek Herald Forsyth • Kathleen Sturgeon kathleen@appenmediagroup.com Johns Creek Herald • Hatcher Hurd hatcher@appenmediagroup.com Milton Herald • Jonathan Copsey jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ADVERTISING CONTACT US General Info, ext. 100 770-442-3278 advertising@appenmediagroup.com 319 North Main Street CLASSIFIEDS Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 ext. 136 or ext. 100 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com SUBMIT YOUR: News/releases, CIRCULATION sports and team photos, school for delivery questions, events, community events ext. and100 more to circulation@appenmediagroup.com news@appenmediagroup.com PUBLISHER Ray Appen, ext. 101 NEWSROOM appen@appenmediagroup.com Revue & News • Jonathan Copsey DELIVERY POLICY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com Newspapers are published weekly and delivered Forsyth Herald • Kathleen by carriers to subdivisions at no Sturgeon charge. Stop deliverykathleen@appenmediagroup.com requests are always honored and can be Johns Creek Herald • Hatcher Hurd accomplished by calling 770-442-3278 ext. 100.

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DUIS & DRUGS All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

DUI arrests

►► Julia Megan Branton, 24, of Bagley

Swerdlove named Officer of Month ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Master Police Officer Michael Swerdlove has been selected Officer of the Month by the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety for January.

Swerdlove works on the Alpharetta DUI Task Force and has taken many drunk drivers off the road.

In honoring Swerdlove, the department said his continued dedication to keep the community safe does not go unnoticed.

Terrace Drive, Cumming, was arrested Dec. 31 on Ga. 400 in Roswell for DUI and following too closely. ►► Fernanda Dias, 21, of Elzey Drive, Cumming, was arrested Jan. 1 on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta for DUI and speeding. ►► Charles Edward Kramig, 29, of Jayne Ellen Way, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 2 on Maxwell Road in Alpharetta for DUI, brake violation, leaving the scene of an accident and violation of a limited permit. ►► Racheal Diane Moses, 38, was arrested Jan. 7 on Bethany Bend in Milton for DUI. ►► Jennifer Leigh Dawson, 42, was arrested Jan. 10 on Highway 9 in Milton for DUI, failure to maintain lane, open container, violation of limited permit, obstructed license plate and notice of change of address. ►► James Richard Banks, 52, of Eatonton, Georgia, was arrested Jan. 7 on Nesbit Ferry Road in Johns Creek for DUI, failure to maintain lane, driving on the wrong side of the roadway, open container and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. ►► Shala Loraine Edwards, 36, of Lyons, Georgia, was arrested Jan. 10 on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek for DUI, failure to maintain lane and

Drug arrests ►► Evan Nattiel Nix, 22, of Lexington

Farms Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Jan. 4 on Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana.

See ARRESTS, Page 3

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driving on the wrong side of the roadway. ►► Tonya Michelle Loyd, 44, of Woodstock was arrested Dec. 24 on East Crossville Road in Roswell for DUI and following too closely. ►► Paul David Muzyka, 35, of Canton was arrested Dec. 27 on King Road in Roswell for DUI and failure to maintain lane. ►► Alejandro Fajardo-Albarran, 46, of Royal Colony Court, Johns Creek, was arrested Dec. 27 on Old Alabama Road in Roswell for DUI, failure to maintain lane and expired license. ►► Tamir Deaundrae Johnson, 30, of Lithonia was arrested Dec. 27 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI, possession of cocaine and failure to yield when entering roadway. ►► Charles Jackson Breedlove, 30, of Atlanta was arrested Dec. 31 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI, following too closely and suspended license. ►► Avery Brooks Simmons, 21, of Peachtree Corners was arrested Dec. 23 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI, child endangerment and failure to maintain lane. ►► Erika Renee Jorgensen, 31, of Duluth was arrested Dec. 29 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for DUI.

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POLICE BLOTTER All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Speeder caught with stolen goods JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A man caught speeding Jan. 17 on State Bridge Road was arrested for far more than that – driving with a suspended license, driving a car with stolen tags, in possession of a stolen weapon and outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Police spotted the car driven by Tavaris Clincy, 20, of Duluth, allegedly going 60 mph on State Bridge Road, a posted 45 mph area. He was pulled over. A check of Clincy returned his license was suspended for failure to appear in court. A check of the tags on the car returned it had been reported stolen in October in Mississippi.

A search of the car allegedly turned up a Taurus .357 handgun next to the driver’s seat, which was reported stolen out of Mississippi. Also in the car was $363 in cash,

Arrests: Continued from Page 2 ►► Jayrel C. Collins, 26, of

Dassow Court, Roswell, was arrested Jan. 6 on North Point Parkway in Alpharetta for possession of marijuana and expired tag.

three cellphones, several types of rounds of ammunition and possible marijuana cigarettes.

Tracker points finger at worker ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A stolen phone potentially implicated a hotel employee in two thefts Jan. 5.

According to police, a resident of the Extended Stay Hotel on Old Milton Parkway reported his iPhone missing.

This occurred a few weeks after a $120 watch was also found missing from the room.

In both cases, the victim claims the items went missing about the time the room was cleaned. The GPS locator on the iPhone allegedly reported it was near Whitestone Place, which is off Old Milton Parkway.

Management told police the cleaning staffer who would have cleaned the victim’s room lives on Whitestone Place.

Warrants lead to drug arrests ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Two nabbed for warrants Jan. 15 were also arrested for drug possession.

39, of Old Dogwood Road, Roswell, was arrested Dec. 28 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana and expired tag. ►► Eric James Tillman, 25, of Atlanta was arrested Dec. 28 on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell for possession of marijuana and wanted person.

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Wanted: missing cement mixer MILTON, Ga. – If anyone knows the whereabouts of a missing cement mixer, the workers at Bell Memorial Park would like it back.

The workers told police Jan. 13 they left for the Christmas holidays and when they returned, they found a rented $2,100 cement mixer

was missing. At first, workers thought others had simply moved it or returned it to the rental company. Instead, no one knew where it was.

Co-worker arrested for ID fraud ALPHARETTA, Ga. – An employee suspects her fellow worker of stealing from her.

The victim told police Dec. 3 her credit card was used to buy Amazon items, once for $122 and again for over $1,000. Both times, they were allegedly purchased by someone named “Sebastian.” The

See BLOTTER, Page 45

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Police report that at about midnight an officer spotted a vehicle belonging to Dequetta A. Gleaton, 25, of Ellenwood, on South Main Street in Alpharetta. Gleaton came up in records as having an active warrant out of DeKalb County for larceny. The car was pulled over.

Inside the vehicle were Gleaton and a passenger, Devin Amyas Waller, 33, of Covington. The officer noted the car smelled of marijuana.

Gleaton allegedly admitted to smoking the pot before she was pulled over and had it on her person. She was arrested for possession of marijuana and the warrant.

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Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 3

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4 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

ELECTIONS

Raffensperger runs on Stewart promises ‘straight transportation, tax relief talking’ conservative values I’m running for the State House because I believe we need fresh leaders and committed conservatives to move Georgia forward. Here are the key issues facing our district: Homeowner tax relief: Now more than ever, we need to free our economy and rid ourselves of anti-growth policies that are holding us back from job creation.

As our next representative, I will work to eliminate Georgia’s income tax, replace it with a FairTax plan and eliminate and freeze tax increases in Fulton County.

Uniquely qualified to address transportation and traffic relief: As the only civil engineer running for state representative, I have hands-on construction experience with transportation and infrastructure projects throughout the United States.

I will lead the effort for cost-effective innovations, like continuous flow intersections to help reduce our daily commute.

Protect our North Fulton schools from potential QBE-related cuts: As our next representative, I will work to protect our schools and make sure they maintain high standards for our children’s education.

Liberate North Fulton: We need to reform Fulton County now, and to replace it with Milton County for more local control over our political destiny.

I will fight to double the homestead exemption to save homeowners money. Milton County will be a battle requiring persuasion, and I will leverage my existing relationships with many elected officials and fellow members of the Republican Leadership for Georgia organization to work for Milton County.

My opponent has pointed out that over 10 years ago that I had business setbacks.

Council: Continued from Page 1 “But we want to take the opportunity to look at our entire operations to see what, if any, improvements can be made to provide better service for the community,” Hutmacher said.

The CH2M Hill contract was set to expire in September, but the City Council voted Jan. 26 to extend that contract by one year, to give the CH2M Hill employees working for the city stability while the review is under way. CH2M Hill had offered to extend the contract with no changes for up to two years

Like many entrepreneurs and small business owners, we face industry and economic challenges constantRAFFENSPERGER ly. Those businesses were closed and final tax filings were made years ago. As tough as that situation was, it gave me very valuable wisdom that enabled me to weather the most recent economic downturn and also develop a deeper understanding for people as they face their individual challenges.

Today I owe nothing – zero.

Perhaps my best example of commitment is that I can point with love and pride to the 38 years of marriage with my high school sweetheart, Tricia.

Community involvement has included being my three sons’ youth league coach, mentoring middle school boys for three years at Northpoint, youth detention center ministry and my current YMCA Board commitment.

I will bring that same spirit of dedication to you when elected to the State House.

I am more fiscally conservative than my opponent.

Last year, I voted against the $588,000 property tax increase that my opponent supported. With the city holding a $30 million surplus, I believed it was time to roll back the millage rate so your taxes didn’t go up.

I will be your champion to stand against higher taxes, and I will work to raise education levels for Georgians. To represent you in the State House would be a high honor, and I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Thank you. while the city conducted its review.

When Johns Creek incorporated Dec. 1, 2006, it had to hit the ground running.

HUTMACHER CH2M Hill, an engineering and operations consultant, was contracted to provide most municipal services for the city including administration, public works and community development.

In 2010, the city restructured the contract and reduced the scope of the company’s services. CH2M Hill was to provide services to the sole areas

I want to first thank the people of Johns Creek for their support throughout this campaign for State House. I wouldn’t be here today without your support.

This campaign isn’t about me. It is about delivering the straight talk to the people of Johns Creek. It is about taking the conservative principles I have helped implement here in Johns Creek to the State Capitol.

In my time on the City Council, I heard you loud and clear.

The people of Johns Creek want leaders who are going to be honest, serve with principle, do the hard work and represent us well.

That’s exactly what I did on the council.

I never voted for a tax increase.

I worked to improve our neighborhoods and community, fought the dysfunction in Fulton County and I was the lone voice that stood up to stop the frivolous investigation of the mayor that cost taxpayers $130,000.

I am running to represent you in the State House to continue that record.

We need principled leadership at the State Capitol, not more politicians.

That’s why I will always be honest and tell you how things are, not how I want them to be.

It’s why I’m not going to play political games, but focus on solutions.

My solutions are clear.

As a small business owner, I know how hard businessmen and women work to provide for their families. And frankly, I know how much they are taxed. It’s simply too much.

That’s why I will never vote for a tax increase. I never have, never will. of public works and community development.

The city has already begun the review and evaluation, but it will be a process that will take several months. It is not a job the city wants to rush, so the city is extending the contract one year.

That gives Johns Creek time to make a thorough review without a September deadline hovering over the process and gives CH2M Hill employees a measure of stability over the next 17 months.

Hutmacher pointed out a September deadline could also hinder CH2M Hill’s ability to attract new employees with the experience and expertise the city desires.

I will work to reform the Georgia tax code to cut income taxes on families to keep more money in your pocket and to grow STEWART our economy.

I believe it is far past time to remove Johns Creek from the dysfunction in Fulton County to stop Fulton’s abuse of taxpayers once and for all.

Not only will I continue Rep. Lynne Riley’s efforts to create Milton County, but I will also introduce legislation that will prevent Fulton County’s ability to levy and collect any new property taxes on Johns Creek families.

I also pledge to be an aggressive advocate reducing traffic congestion here in North Fulton with commonsense solutions, not tax increases.

I am for keeping our state tax dollars in our community.

We must stop building roads to nowhere.

It is time to get a fair return on our taxes to reduce traffic gridlock.

These are the critically important solutions that will make Johns Creek a better place to live, work and raise a family, and I will champion them each and every day in the State House.

But most importantly, I am always going to give you the straight talk. There won’t be any political games or gimmicks.

We may not always agree, but I can promise that I will always be honest with you.

I humbly ask for your prayers and your vote in the runoff Feb. 3.

So a short-term extension of the contract would be the best solution all around, Hutmacher said.

Mayor Mike Bodker said the primary objective is to get a good evaluation of the city’s options.

“They have done an excellent job for us. But it behooves us to step back and take a look at what we’re doing with new eyes,” Bodker said. “Also, we don’t want to cripple the ability of CH2M Hill to hire the very best people that are out there.

And the contract extension will allow that.”

It also gives the city time to study what the next evolution of city government should be, Hutmacher said.

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6 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

HATCHER HURD/STAFF

City Manager Warren Hutmacher introduces his management team. From left are Hutmacher, Eric Taylor, Justin Kirouac and Kimberly Greer.

JC city manager building his team Hutmacher announces 3 assistant city mgrs. to provide close support management

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – As Johns Creek continues to grow, so do the responsibilities of City Manager Warren Hutmacher, and with the blessing of the City Council he has announced his management team to help him direct the operations of the various departments of the city.

The three new assistant city managers have a wide range of experience.

• Johns Creek Zoning Administrator Justin Kirouac will be stepping up to fill one spot.

• He is joined by Eric Taylor, former city administrator for the city of Smyrna. He was also the city of Avondale Estates finance officer and an economic development project specialist for the city of Marietta.

• Kimberly Greer was Hutmacher’s projects manager when he was

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OPINION

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The 2014 State of the (wedded) Union Response to the State of the Union Given how this is a new year, and my first as a married man, I will give what is to be an annual update on my State of the Union.

Similar to what the president does each year, giving an update on the status of the nation as well as plans for the future year, I will do this for myself and my wife. It’s the Copsey Nation.

This column also happens to (roughly) coincide with both Valentine’s Day and the anniversary of our dating. So there’s that. Timing is everything.

The state so far.

• I have heard “yes dear” is the magic phrase. This is boring. Rather, I have found that angering her leads to

JONATHAN COPSEY

Revue & News Editor jonathan@ appenmediagroup.com

fun interactions! She’s so cute when she’s angry.

• The marriage has lasted about three months and has never been stronger. It shows signs of only getting better over time.

• We are going through the process of buying a house.

This is time consuming and frustrating. Do we own the house or not?

• Our borders are secure – take that Mexico!

• The cat acts like a dog.

The dog acts like a cat.

The cat likes me better.

• The one thing I asked for out of our marriage was a toaster. And I got one.

It’s the key to a successful marriage.

The future of US • I promise to reduce my complaining about things left where they don’t belong. Also, the hammer does not live on the kitchen table.

• I promise to continue half listening to what you say.

• Finally, I dedicate myself to making your life – and thus ours – better each day.

And that is the State of the Union.

Shining a light on Ga. government A citizen’s guide to open government in Georgia The usually quiet city of Cumming has been forced into the spotlight recently with the potential impeachment of Councilman Rupert Sexton. He has been accused of releasing a document with the health insurance information of city employees’, something that the city argues is private information.

Sexton has said time and time again that he is innocent. He has denied releasing any such documents. On top of that, he argues that this information is all part of the Open Records Act, so any citizen can obtain the documents.

Last week, the city asked the state attorney general about the issue to get a final ruling once and for all.

But until that is decided, now is a good time to brush up on the rights every citizen has regarding the government.

As a reporter, I frequently think about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and our First Amendment rights as U.S. citizens.

The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

That simple phrase allows me to do my job and get the information needed to tell the whole story to keep the public informed on government af-

KATHLEEN STURGEON Forsyth Herald Reporter kathleen@appen mediagroup.com

What most citizens don’t know is that they too have the right to investigate and request records. fairs.

What most citizens don’t know is that they too have the right to investigate and request records.

Georgia’s Sunshine Laws are something every citizen should know about in order to dig deep.

These laws are divided into two major sections, Georgia’s Open Records Act and Georgia’s Open Meeting Laws.

The open records process is not too difficult.

The form you need to fill out when requesting documents can be found by doing a simple Google search with the name of the jurisdiction for which you are seeking information.

Whoever is asking for the

information will need to make their request either through written submission, which is not required but is highly recommended, or verbally, which can result in disputes as to what exactly was requested or when the request was made.

Try to find out to whom you should submit the document, because an agency can require the requested documents go to a specified records custodian. This person must be identified on the agency’s website, if it has one.

In your request, be sure to be as specific as possible as to the information you are seeking. After the request is made, the agency has three business days to reply. If they are not able to provide it within the time limit, they must reply explaining why there will be a longer delay or why they cannot give you the information at all.

Depending on where or from whom you get the records, you may have to pay for the copies of the requested documents; but it usually doesn’t cost more than 10 cents per page.

Open meetings are easier to follow since you don’t have to fill anything out.

Georgia’s Open Meetings Laws “requires the state and local governmental bodies conduct their business so citizens can review and monitor their elected officials and others working on their behalf.”

Besides having to let you in to public meetings, the government has to let you know about the meetings in

See LIGHT, Page 37

Local lawmakers in Washington responded to the president’s annual State of the Union Address on Jan. 20.

To view the president’s 2015 State of the Union speech, visit http://www.whitehouse. gov/sotu.

U.S. Rep. Tom Price U.S. House of Representatives Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.) represents Georgia’s 6th Congressional district, which includes the North Fulton cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton.

He issued the following statement in response to the president’s State of the Union Address. For more information, visit www.tomprice.house.gov.

“Listening to President Obama tonight, it is clear that this administration is stuck in the past when it comes to thinking about how we solve the tremendous challenges facing our nation. The president believes we should continue pursuing the same failed policies that have contributed to an economic recovery that’s leaving the middle class behind and a long-term budget crisis that threatens our future prosperity and national security.

The good news is that these challenges can be addressed with positive, innovative solutions that empower American families, workers and entrepreneurs.

Solutions like fundamental tax reform and a balanced budget that will break down barriers to economic growth and opportunity. Regulatory reform to make government more efficient and accountable.

Improvements to the nation’s health and retirement programs so that we are saving and strengthening these programs for generations to come.

The president’s plan – higher taxes and more government spending when Washington cannot afford to pay for what it has already promised – is neither positive nor innovative. House Republicans are ready to work with the president and Democrats in Congress, but it is past time we moved beyond the same, tired policies of the past that failed to deliver on the president’s promises.

We have to focus on unleashing an economy that benefits every American with a government that’s accountable to hard-working taxpayers. We invite the president to join us.”

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson Johnny Isakson is a Repub-

lican senator in his second term representing the state of Georgia in the U.S. Senate. He is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, and is also a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

He issued the following statement following the president’s speech to the nation. For more information, visit www.isakson. senate.gov.

“I am very disappointed the president has chosen to lower expectation and raise taxes on the American people just at a time when we are beginning to recover. His plan is like pouring cold water on small businesses and employers. It is time to lift overly burdensome regulation and have a tax policy that’s fair and equitable to all Americans.

I’m also disappointed there wasn’t much of a talk about foreign trade and about trade promotion authority from the president which Congress needs to act on quickly.

We have three pending trade agreements which are important for American business: the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and the African Growth and Opportunity Partnership.

All need to be reauthorized or initiated, and they need to be done this year.

I am happy the president mentioned cybersecurity, which is the No. 1 threat to our country and I pledge to work with him to find those ways we can to track those who would come to America and do harm to our people. May God bless the United States of America.”

U.S. Sen. David Perdue David Perdue was elected to the U.S. Senate to represent the state of Georgia in November 2014. He was recently sworn-in to office and serves on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Budget Committee, Foreign Relations Committee, Judiciary Committee and the Special Committee on Aging.

He posted this statement on his Facebook page the day after the president’s State of the Union. For more information, visit www.perdue.senate.gov.

“Last night’s State of the Union sent a clear message to the American people ... President Obama is more concerned with his failed agenda than your family.”

OPINION

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 9

2015 Fulton Board of Commissioners makes promising debut with budget HATCHER HURD

Executive Editor hatcher@ appenmediagroup.com If I were handing out the plaudits, I would have to hand it to the ones who made it happen, the Board of Commissioners.

Yes, this newly minted 2015 edition showed a maturity and sense of purpose that had been sorely lacking.

Freshmen Commissioners Bob Ellis, Lee Morris and Marvin Arrington Jr. showed surprising willingness to work together along with the veteran board members, Chairman John Eaves and Commissioners Liz Hausmann, Joan Garner and Emma Darnell.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

A reader’s response to free press I just read your Jan. 15 article, “Understanding the free press and public comment.” Insightful and providing some information everyone, most notably elected officials, need to keep in mind. I liked the article and the points you made, and agree with every one of them.

That said, and as is the case with all views, there is another side to the story. As someone who is no longer an elected official, it is easier for me to try to shed some light than it might be for someone currently serving… and I hope I give some portion of their perspective earnest description.

As an elected person speaking on the record, you are trying to convey a message. You may support or oppose the issue at hand, but you are doing your best to deliver a message to the citizens, your fellow councilmembers and the staff and attendees of the meeting.

In my tenure, my only problem with the local press was that sometimes (not often) the message was either unclear or stated in a way I felt misrepresented what I intended to say; thus impacting what the reader believed to be where I stood on an issue or how I reached my position.

Fortunately, in Alpharetta, we have the Revue & News. You, your editor and the owner all live in our community and you know us. I don’t know what happened with this guy in Maryland and his local paper, but I have always believed the local papers do a much better job of communicating the message (not just a quote) from local elected officials.

The valid problem comes most often from much larger, regional press.

My personal belief is that they have

You may support or oppose the issue at hand, but you are doing your best to deliver a message to the citizens, your fellow councilmembers and the staff and attendees of the meeting. an agenda – sell papers! – and they are more concerned with presenting controversy and scandal where none exists, for the sake of their agenda.

Please understand there are, in some cases, reasons for public officials to be cautious and even defensive from time to time with what is reported, if they feel their message is being miscommunicated.

It was very rare I would return a call from the large regional paper in Atlanta, and I have never subscribed.

I read your paper every week and appreciate the value it brings to Alpharetta.

There have been some “misquotes” and some minor mistakes in my years of being quoted by the R&N, but not once have I ever felt as though this was due to anyone having an agenda.

I appreciate your paper being there to deliver the message of Alpharetta’s elected officials and staff, accurately and timely, to the citizens of Alpharetta.

John Monson, Former Alpharetta City Council member

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Oh what woe was predicted for the Fulton County Board of Commissioners when it would meet to approve a new budget. Already, Fulton’s libraries had their hours curtailed with days closed and variable hours the rest of the week that one could scarcely remember when it might be open.

There were predictions of looming shortfalls in the budget and no money left in its fund balance. The state Legislature, obedient to the Fulton legislative delegation, sought to tie the fiscal hands of the Board of Commissioners.

The General Assembly passed legislation prohibiting any millage increase this year for Fulton County specifically.

One can almost imagine their chagrin that none of the doom and gloom predictions came true. Now perhaps the General Assembly’s legerdemain had its intended effect when the county passed a balanced budget that not only had no millage increase, but restored funding for the library system, increased funding for its FRESH grants and senior services and will have an increased fund balance of around $110 million.

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Budget: Continued from Page 1 increase for any Fulton County homeowners and a restoration of hours for the branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.

Fulton Commission Chairman John Eaves said the dire predictions of a millage increase and plunging cash reserves did not materialize for a number of reasons. Eaves called it a “perfect storm of converging factors” that staved off the expected red ink.

“No. 1, the county did a much better job of reducing its expenses than we had projected at the end of last year. We had reduced expenses and increased revenue,” Eaves said.

Fulton will tilt the millage rate down some to reflect the appreciation in the tax digest, relieving the county of the duty to report a tax increase reflecting that appreciation. That will close what has been called the “backdoor” tax increase of appreciation when that growth is not reflected in the new millage rate.

The big question is how did this new Board of Commissioners come together in such a short span with three new members and diverse representation by four Democrats and three Republicans from across rural South Fulton, ur-

ban Atlanta and affluent North Fulton?

“I think it was indicative of a new Fulton County, where there really is a spirit of ‘let’s make this happen and let’s get it done.’ There was true compromise and give and take,” Eaves said.

That included a resolution Eaves co-sponsored with Republican Commissioners Liz Hausmann, Bob Ellis and Lee Morris to maintain a fund balance reserve doubled from 8.33 percent to 16.33 percent.

“That will be about $120 million we will have in cash reserves,” he said. “That’s an indication of our desire to have more fiscal restraint as well being a signal to the crediting agencies that we are responsible in our budgeting.”

Hausmann said mandating that increase of level of reserves will help maintain the county’s credit worthiness.

“At 16 percent that puts us on the path to help the financial situation and control our credit issues. But more importantly, it sends the message that the board understands we have to be very responsible with the dollars we are entrusted with,” Hausmann said.

“There is a new a new spirit of cooperation on the board that I think is taking a fresh look at how we do everything.”

Other cost-saving measures will include consolidating human resources functions that

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System announces restored library hours for 2015 ATLANTA – The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 21 to restore the lost hours of operation for all Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System branches. Fulton’s budget will allow hours to be restored at the libraries as of April 1.

Fulton Commission Chairman John Eaves said it will take some weeks to rehire part-time staff to get the libraries up to speed for the new hours.

Commissioners unanimously passed Fulton County’s 2015 budget, which included allocation for the restoration of hours for the library branches and an increase to the library system’s materials budget to $1.9 million.

“This is a great day for our libraries and the communities we serve throughout Fulton County,” said Interim Library Director Anne Haimes. “We are meeting critical needs by restoring hours and public confidence in our libraries.”

In 2014, budget reductions meant significant cuts to library hours including the elimination of Friday hours at many branches. As a result of the action taken by the commissioners, hours will be restored to their 2013 levels.

The library building program is also progressing, with the new Wolf Creek and Palmetto Libraries open and additional new libraries opening this year. For information, visit www.afpls.org or call 404-730-1977.

are currently scattered around the county.

Hausmann said she has been pleased with the “business-like approach” the new County Commission has taken during the budget process.

“It has been willing to compromise to make sure services are delivered, but understands we need to restructure our internal operations,” she said.

She points out how this budget centralizes the human resources functions which will save over $1 million to the line item without affecting service.

“There is a new fresh perspective and approach on this board now. The most significant thing the General

Assembly has done was the redistricting to equalize the representation throughout the county. Now it’s our job to work through the issues,” Hausmann said. “I think it’s a great first step.”

This budget also defused the confrontation that might have arisen from the General Assembly’s legislation barring Fulton County specifically from raising its millage rate this year and requiring a supermajority of five votes to raise taxes in the future.

“To me, this was a great day for Fulton County,” Eaves said. “It was a unanimous vote on the budget and indicative of more to come in terms of an

effort toward greater efficiency and more delivery of services to the citizens of our county.”

He said he was especially proud of the “spirit of compromise and cooperation” ethecommissioners showed.

“This budget balances fiscal responsibility with the demand for county services by our residents,” Eaves said. “Politically, I think we have a more collegial board than in the past.”

For many years, Fulton County’s budget process has been more of an internecine battle over cherished programs and bringing home services important to one’s own district.

Freshman Republican Commissioner Bob Ellis, representing Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton, said in the few short weeks things happened fast.

He had been working unofficially at budget sessions before January, so he had spent a lot of time on it.

“We have a lot moving parts that had to be addressed – facilities needs, certain service areas that have cried out to be addressed more adequately, libraries,” Ellis said.

All the commissioners were wondering what was going to come out of this budget.

“While there wasn’t universal agreement from each of us on what we would like the budget to look like, we were able to work within a framework that all of us could support,” Ellis said.

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NEWS

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Fulton budget highlights Construction resumes on ATLANTA – During its Jan. 21, meeting, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2015 General Fund budget, with no millage rate increase.

The final $628,691,032 budget includes a range of services for residents countywide, and restores several previously reduced services.

Highlights include: Restored library hours to FY2013 levels, after reductions in FY2014.

The budget also includes funds to operate new libraries scheduled to open this year.

• Restored Human Services grants ($3.6 million) and FRESH grants ($1.8 million) to 2013-2014 funding level. These grant programs provide funding to community nonprofits, and were reduced in the 2014 budget.

• Provided $1.5 million for Arts Contract for Services, enhanced funding at the Johns Creek Arts Center to $100,000, and funding to provide improved security at all Arts Centers countywide.

• Continued extended hours at Fulton County’s four Senior Multipurpose Centers.

• Provided capital allocations to address repairs and maintenance at Fulton County facilities, including the Fulton County Government

Center.

• Provided capital allocations to address road and sidewalk construction projects in unincorporated Fulton County.

• Increased funding for senior home repair through Aging & Youth Services.

• Increased funding for Accountability Court programs in the State Court and Juvenile Court.

• Provided funding for public e-filing of case documents at the State Court.

• Contingency funding for a proposed 2% Cost Of Living increase and implementation of comprehensive pay and classification study expected to be finalized in the Spring (both subject to additional Board approval).

The budget also restores the General Fund balance to $109,796,761 million, or 17.7 percent.

This amount exceeds the new minimum level of 16.66 percent set by Commissioners through a resolution adopted during the Jan. 21 meeting.

Previously, the minimum required fund balance was 8.33 percent.

The commissioners anticipate a General Fund revenue-neutral millage rate rollback. The Board of Commissioners will set the 2015 millage rate

by June 30.

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Ga. 20 bridge over the ’Hooch SUGAR HILL, Ga. – Georgia Department of Transportation construction resumed Jan. 15 on the Ga. 20 bridge replacement project over the Chattahoochee River.

Construction stopped on the bridge in late September 2014 because a construction permit had to be modified due to a change in the way the bridge would be built. The project was originally permitted for the contractor to use barges as a working platform from the river for bridge construction and demolition. Because of the daily water releases from the Buford Dam, barges can’t be used. The water levels change too quickly and too frequently. Stone jetties will now be used. The change to jetties has required complex interagency coordination between GDOT, the National Park Service, Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The required permit was approved Jan. 14.

“On Jan. 15, crews will resume working on the concrete structures that support the new bridges on land,” said Brent Cook, Georgia DOT district engineer serving Northeast Georgia.

“By Jan. 19, work in the river will

begin. You will start seeing daily work on the bridge until April.

Because the river is a National Park Service Recreation Area, no work is allowed in the river from April 1 to Oct. 31 annually.

Only one jetty will be in place at a time. The jetty will be removed during peak recreation season because jetties change the water flow.”

The 1.07-mile-long project widens Ga. 20 from James Burgess Road in Forsyth County to Burnett Trail in Gwinnett to a four-lane divided highway with sidewalks, and includes new bridges over the Chattahoochee River at a contract cost of $10.2 million.

C.W. Matthews Contracting of Marietta is the contractor. The project completion date is May 31, 2016. The project is behind schedule.

The Ga. 20 corridor from Samples Road in Cumming across the Chattahoochee River to Peachtree Industrial Boulevard is under construction in three separate projects totaling 7.53 miles.

The speed limit in the work zone is 35 miles per hour around the clock. All fines are doubles in a work zone, up to $2,000.

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Avossa to serve on governor’s Education Reform Committee Will look to improve education system

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com ATLANTA – With education improvements at the forefront of political agendas in Georgia, Fulton Schools Superintendent Robert Avossa could play a key role in driving change.

Last week, Gov. Nathan Deal named Avossa to serve on the newly formed Education Reform Committee, tasked with making recommendations for improvements to the state’s

public school system.

Deal outlined his vision for the committee during his recent State of the State address, delivered AVOSSA Jan. 14. He cited the need for an in-depth look into the state’s education system, including its muchmaligned funding formula, and

called for recommendations to improve the system.

The committee will also focus on how Georgia can increase access to early learning programs, recruit and retain high-quality teachers and expand school options.

“This is an opportunity to both provide a voice for our stakeholders and learn from the collective experience of others,” said Avossa. “These issues are of critical importance to Fulton County Schools, given our recent efforts on teacher recruitment and retention strategies as well as our

exploration of choice options.”

The committee’s charge to study public school funding mirrors a similar effort more than a decade ago under former Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Originally named the QBE Task Force (Quality in Basic Education), it morphed into the Investing in Education Excellence (IE2), with a rotating membership of key figures in education and politics.

The committee ended its work with few firm recommendations, and no subsequent actions, on revamping the QBE formula for school funding.

That formula has not been adjusted since its development in 1985, and has never been fully funded.

Regardless of the past inaction, Avossa said he welcomes the opportunity to deal directly with those who ultimately make the decisions on how the state funds its schools.

“Whether any of the commission’s recommendations are accepted in full or in part is up to the legislative body,” said Avossa. “But overall, this puts Fulton County Schools at the table and gives us a great opportunity to help legislators understand the real issues affecting public schools.”

In all, 33 people were named by Deal to the Educa-

This is an opportunity to both provide a voice for our stakeholders and learn from the collective experience of others.”

ROBERT AVOSSA Fulton Schools Superintendent tion Reform Committee, representing education, business and political sectors around the state. Avossa is one of only five school superintendents on the committee, including Alvin Wilbanks of Gwinnett County Schools, Kent Edwards of Carrolton County Schools, Will Schofield of Hall County Schools and Noris Price of Baldwin County Schools. Price is a former principal in Fulton County. State Rep. Mike Dudgeon of Forsyth County is also on the committee.

The commission will convene for its first meeting Feb. 5 and meet periodically throughout the year. Recommendations are expected to be sent to Deal by Aug. 1.

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SCHOOLS

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 15

North Fulton school choice forums coming up

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The Fulton County School System (FCSS) is kicking off National School Choice Week by hosting a series of forums to gather input on what parents and students value in education options.

In North Fulton, two forums have been planned.

• Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at Centennial High School (9310 Scott Road, Roswell) • Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at Milton Center (86 School Drive, Alpharetta) Whether it’s themed or magnet schools, language immersion programs, Interna-

tional Baccalaureate or STEM schools, school leaders want to design programs that will draw students to them. The forums will focus on identifying the communities’ needs, then using this information to help guide choice options over the coming years.

“We believe that education is not one-size-fits-all and that parents should have more say in how their children’s education is delivered,” said Superintendent Robert Avossa.

“This is the natural evolution of our charter system model because it focuses on providing an educational experience that is customized to what our families want.”

Ken Zeff, director of strategy and innovation for the

JC Community Garden looking for green thumbs

FCSS, said the “customization” of education is a natural evolution of the district’s charter system, with the goal of making neighborhood schools reflect the needs of their communities.

In July 2012, the FCSS became the state’s largest charter system, opening the doors for innovation and flexibility. In exchange for the goal of higher academic achievement, the charter exempts Fulton from many state education mandates, allowing local schools to determine what works best for them.

Already, Alpharetta and Centennial high schools are taking steps to begin an International Baccalaureate program as early as 2017. But challenges remain in offering school choice, since capacity at most high schools is limited.

Zeff acknowledges the hurdles, but the goal is to be strategic in planning.

“We have to be creative. If you develop the right choices, you can get the attendance right,” said Zeff, who noted placement priorities will always be with students who reside in the attendance zones for the

schools.

FCSS has been working on the school choice plan for several months. Last year, members of the school board visited the Charlotte (North Carolina) – Mecklenburg School System to see the plan in action, and school staff have been working to implement a similar program for Fulton.

Each forum will be structured the same, and parents can choose any meeting they wish. For those unable to attend, input also will be collected through the FCSS website at www.fultonschools.org.

NEW YEAR New Kitchen and Bath.

Residents interested in spring planting may apply for one of 41 Newtown beds JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Any Johns Creek resident who would like a garden this spring but doesn’t have the space can to participate in the Newtown Park Community Garden program.

Open to any Johns Creek resident, the city offers the opportunity for planting and maintaining a small garden plot at Newtown Park Community Garden. It features 41 raised beds for planting flowers, vegetables and herbs.

Individuals or groups can sign up for one or more beds, each measuring 4 feet by 8 feet by 12 inches high.

For older gardeners, there are beds that measure 36 inches high that require less stooping.

Located within Johns Creek’s Newtown Park near the north entrance, the Community Garden is open year round, starting with spring planting in April, from dawn until dusk.

Membership in the Johns Creek Garden Association, which operates and manages the garden, is required.

Applications for garden plots are accepted during the registration period from Feb. 15 to March 15 each year. Gardeners must join the Johns Creek Garden Association and agree to abide by the garden rules to apply for a plot.

The application fee for a plot is $60 or $25 for seniors over 65, and the fee to join the association is $10.

Each participating gardener provides seeds or plants for

Community Garden plots Contact: Johns Creek Garden Association Website: sites.google. com/site/johnscreek gardenassociation/ Email: JohnsCreek GardenA@gmail.com Hours of operation: Open daily from dawn to dusk Features: • 35 8-foot by 4-foot raised beds (12 inches high) • 4 8-foot by 4-foot with 3-foot-tall planting tables (for seniors) • 2 4-foot by 4-foot wheelchair accessible raised beds their plot. The city of Johns Creek pays for the water usage.

Begun as a community service project by members of the 2010 class of Leadership Johns Creek, the garden was featured that year during the annual conference of the American Community Garden Association.

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Panel offers heads-up advice on data breaches

By PATRICK FOX pat@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – All companies should have an action plan for data breaches, because the number of cyberattacks is growing, a panel of industry experts told business leaders last week.

From 2005 to 2013, at least 613 million records have been compromised in the United States, Ralph Pasquariello of Snellings Walters Insurance Agency said at the monthly Tech Forum of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

“The cost of global cybercrime annually is $114 billion,” he said. “The average organizational cost of a data breach … is $5.4 million, and each compromised record costs a company $188.”

Pasquariello was one of seven experts from law, insurance and technology to provide insights to the crowd of about 50 people gathered at the Marriott in Alpharetta.

Greg Freemyer, senior consultant at IAC Forensic Services, said that because of the costs and legal liabilities associated with data breaches, all companies should conduct a security audit. He said a SANS Review, offered by the SANS

CORRECTION The New Business Spotlight featuring El Don Bar and Grill (Jan. 22) ran the wrong address. The correct address is 6320 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta.

The number of data breaches in the United States is growing. From 2005 to 2013, at least 613 million records have been compromised.

Institute, or an International Organization of Standardization audit (called an ISO 27002) can help businesses lay the groundwork for establishing a security system.

Implementing an in-house data security system is costprohibitive for most companies, he said. And, even when implemented, it wouldn’t protect against new methods hackers are developing to invade networks.

“There’s so much going on, and no one has the magic bullet that’s going to make you

secure,” he said.

Another step companies have been taking to increase security is to link up with a cloud service, said Gerry Baron, chief marketing officer at Cirrity.

Most organizations cannot invest the same amount of money and resources into cyber security as a cloud service can, he said.

Cloud services have fulltime technicians working with the latest equipment to provide data security, he said.

Debbie Risher, a CPA with

Smith & Howard, said it’s often difficult to tell when a breach has occurred. If a company has the proper software in place, she said, security breaches can be flagged in most cases through logs.

“If you don’t have those, then you’re kind of at the mercy of the outside world,” she said. “It could be customer complaints. It could be a third-party vendor. It could be law enforcement after they’ve gotten complaints from a customer.”

Another indicator could be

an increase in spam or malware on a company’s network, she added.

Thomas Foxx, a cyber-specialist with Travelers Technology Products, said all organizations are the target of hacking activity. Right now, the larger companies are receiving all the attention, but it’s likely all the mid-sized organizations have already been hacked, he said.

“We’ve found that the majority of the small and midsized organizations – more than 50 percent of the ones we surveyed – were breached,” he said. “That’s why we push for some type of risk mitigation.”

The most important thing a company can do to protect itself is have an action plan in place to handle cyber-attacks.

And one of the first steps in that plan should be contact a skilled attorney, said Gina Ginn Greenwood, an attorney with Baker Donelson.

“First of all, I think you need a good lawyer and a good consultant and a good forensic examiner,” she said. “You need to have a good emergency preparedness plan.”

Greenwood said companies should have these emergency personnel on speed-dial, on call at any time. Sometimes, calling an attorney first can ensure that the investigative process can be covered under attorney-client privilege.

“It amazes me when we get calls at how many companies really don’t even understand what laws apply to them,” she said. “They’re in the middle of a huge breach, and they’re not even sure which laws apply.”

Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@appenmediagroup.com

Do you get excited when a customer accepts your meeting request, only to find out when you meet with them that they are not interested?

Are you taking the time to qualify your customer’s interest and motivation to buy before committing your valuable time to meeting with them?

Qualifying opportunities to do business with new customers can save you time and allow you to focus on more customers who are qualified buyers.

It’s no mystery that top performing sales professionals know how to qualify their customers, and are good at asking the right questions to make sure their investment in time is worth it.

Conversely, sales professionals who don’t do a good job in qualifying opportunities with their customers typically come back to the office empty-handed.

Determining if a potential customer is interested in your product or service, that they have the ability to make a decision and that your efforts in working with them will produce a sale is critical to managing your portfolio of customers.

This includes understanding your competitors and the decision-making process each customer will use.

By qualifying an opportunity with a potential customer before the sales process starts, you improve your odds for success.

Just because you were able to secure a meeting, even with a decision-maker, doesn’t mean you have a qualified opportunity.

Asking the right questions to the right people at the right time will help you better qualify your opportunities with your customers, and this will lead to more sales success.

Dick Jones is the Founder & President of Jones Simply Sales.

60,000

Atlanta Home Inventory: Price Point Breakdown

FRANK NORTON JR.

$750+ $400 – 749 $250 – 399 $150 – 249 $0 – 149

CEO and Chairman The Norton Agency

To everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose…and the Georgia real estate market is no different.

The residential development and brokerage industry has been battling the cyclical nature of its business models for decades. Over time, the market vitality has been tempered with better construction timetables, winter inventory reductions and brokerage firms’ internal sales and listing contests to either sell off year-end inventory or build up inventory, whichever is dictated by that current cycle.

Thankfully our seasonal adjustments are routed in psychological consumer patterns, dominated by the noise of the holidays and not arctic winds and snow drifts impeding construction. In fact in some national markets, the construction season is only six or seven months in length versus the metro Atlanta area, which tracts only an average of 21 bad weather days from November to March.

ers or widgets, but consumer consciousness or holiday unconsciousness overrules technological productions.

“The winter dip,” however, can be a productive time. It’s the time builders analyze the year’s sales results, understanding product mixes, home buyer preferences and develop hot new construction floor plans. A time to figure out what worked and what did not work. It is also a time for the home buyer to scan through the latest home magazines and planning books to dream forward to their own spring construction. A time to explore vacant developed lots or acreage tracts for potential construction or constructionperm custom initiatives.

The winter is “snakeless,” which is a perfect time to walk in the woods and dream of a “human scale” new nest. Winter – with the naked hardwoods and dead underbrush, is a terrific time to see property’s terrain, landscape features and of course, views. For generations, winter sales on Lake Lanier soared because traditionally astute buyers can see all the best that a property has to offer and all the warts at the same time.

A time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted So the quick forecast for the Atlanta real estate market (new construction and resales) is that the overall market will slow in December, January, February and early March. It will reenergize itself around March 20 or 21 (spring) only to ignite a storm of new construction and summer of heavy migration and relocation to the New South mecca...Atlanta.

The national builders build huge supply and demand computer models in order to deliver housing inventory like “just-intime” automobile manufactur-

Expectations for the 2015 real estate market • Overall home inventory will remain at historic lows in most metro Atlanta micro markets. Expect 3.5 to 4.8 months of home supply throughout 2015. The low supply is most likely with our market until the feds relax current constraints on regional and small town banking, allowing the resumption on speculative home builds.

• The national builders will continue to dominate the new home sector because of their external source of capital. By the end of 2015,

The strongest markets are driven by school zones.

Hot demand in public education at the elementary school level is driving the market inventory.

45,000

Editor’s note: Beginning this week, Appen Newspapers will run serialized excerpts from Frank Norton Jr.’s “Norton Native Intelligence Report for 2015.” The report, which reflects and synthesizes the views from more than 500 individuals surveyed and economic vital signs recorded, is replete with facts, figures, charts and commentary from one of the state’s premier market experts focusing on the north Georgia economy and real estate. The presentation was made Jan. 15 at the Gainesville Civic Center.

30,000

Founder & President Jones Simply Sales

Enjoy winter rest before home market heats up

Total number of homes

DICK JONES

Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 17

15,000

Qualifying opportunities with your customers

BusinessPosts

0

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Source: GAMLS/FMLS – 22 COUNTIES INCLUDED: Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Jackson, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Spalding and Walton.

we predict 50 percent of all homes constructed will be by Atlanta’s Top 10 builders.

• The strongest markets are driven by school zones. Hot demand in public education at the elementary school level is driving the market inventory.

• Expect the 22-county region to permit slightly over 20,000 new housing units, single-family and condos in 2015 – nowhere near our peak of 62,000 (2006) but more than doubled the annualized activity of our low year of 8,600 (2009) units.

And, as in the last five years, 52,000 to 55,000 homes will trade hands through FMLS

and MLS in 2015. Normal activity with average people with average credit buying average homes.

• Residential growth begets commercial retail development. Commercial retail development begets medical and service sector office growth. Medical and service beget new jobs and business industrial expansion, and jobs and business industrial expansion beget new residential. In 2015, it (the cycle of Atlanta life) starts again.

To everything there is a season, a time to sell and a time to buy. AMEN

GNFCC hosts Lunch Connection Feb. 4 ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce will hold its Lunch Connection monthly networking and interactive workshop Feb. 4 at 11:30 a.m. at The Metropolitan Club, 5895 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. The meeting is an opportunity to network and gain exposure for local businesses.

If you go What: Lunch Connection When: Wednesday, Feb. 4 11:30 am Where: The Metropolitan Club 5895 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta

18 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

PEOPLE »

Ciara Rubin named director of operations ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce has appointed Ciara Rubin as director of operations. Rubin will lead the chamber’s day-to-day activities and manage staff and communication with members. She will report RUBIN to Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Hans Appen.

Prior to her appointment, Rubin served as the chamber’s director of member services and communications.

“Ciara has been an invaluable member and leader of the chamber these past eight months,” Appen said. “Since she has joined the chamber, membership has grown 230 percent and our programming and member benefits have reaped the benefits. I am thrilled for our members in what they are getting with Ciara at the helm.”

Brady Ware hires new team accountant ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Brady Ware announced that Sharon Marcela has joined the firm as a team accountant. Marcela has 15 years of experience in accounting and will be working with Brady Ware clients to perform tax services and bookkeeping duties.

Daughter joins Worley family Re/Max real estate business MILTON, Ga. — Art and Polly Worley, a residential real estate team at Re/Max Town and Country, have hired their daughter, Dana Worley McCall, to serve as a licensed assistant. McCall will work with her parents, focusing on obtaining listings and working with buyers in the north Atlanta area.

A native of Alpharetta/Milton, MCCALL McCall attended Crabapple Crossing Elementary, Northwestern Middle and Milton

BUSINESS COMPUTER PROBLEMS? “Carmichael manages our IT. I have never worked with a more client-centric business before – ever. They return calls fast.

They listen exceedingly well. They know what they are doing. They are honest, professional, and local. They are partners with Appen Newspapers / Appen Media Group in the truest sense of the word.”

– Ray Appen, Publisher Appen Media Group Appen Newspapers

BusinessBriefs High School, graduating with honors from the University of Georgia in 2006. She has spent the last eight years in IT sales and recruiting. She lives in Roswell with her husband Brendon and 9-monthold baby girl, Wren.

Greater Alpharetta Tech Network appoints new board members ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Greater Alpharetta Tech Network (GATN) announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors.

GATN’s new Board members are Nathan Ottinger, Atlantic Capital Bank senior vice president, Chad Osgood, Premier Logic CEO, and Kimberly Little Sutherland, identity management strategy senior director of LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

For more information, visit www.gatnconnect. org.

Fifth Third Bank names Kessler to management position ATLANTA — Adam Kessler recently joined Fifth Third Bank’s Georgia affiliate as vice president/commercial relationship manager, focusing on middle market companies with annual revenues up to $500 million. He is responsible for facilitating new commercial banking relationships and focusing on added value solutions to help companies KESSLER reach their goals.

Kessler has nine years of experience in the financial industry and was previously a vice president with JP Morgan Chase Bank in Atlanta.

A native of Alpharetta, Kessler is involved with the Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Cobb Chamber of Commerce and the United Way.

David Orr joins Harry Norman Atlanta North JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Harry Norman, Realtors welcomed David Orr as a real estate agent in its Atlanta North office. Orr and his wife live in Suwanee.

He can be reached at 678-525-7870, david.orr@harrynorman.com or www.davidorr.harrynorman.com.

UTILITIES »

– Tyler Jones, Principal

678-224-8000 • www.CarmichaelConsulting.net

Road near Vickery Creek Elementary School.

Legacy Village at Vickery Creek will include 31 studio and one-bedroom assisted living suites. It will have another 32 units dedicated to The Harbor, a nationally recognized memory care unit serving those with Alzheimer’s or other memory care disorders that features an electronic storyboard and drug-free, memory stimulation and behavior management system in each apartment.

TECH »

Agilysys deploys new version of business intelligence service ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Agilysys, a hospitality software solutions and services provider, recently announced general availability of the latest version of its business intelligence solution, Agilysys Analytics.

The system is a comprehensive reporting, auditing and predictive analysis service for the hospital industry.

Available as a subscription service, Agilysys Analytics is accessed from a web browser.

NEW LOCATIONS »

Practice owners Drs. Michael Palmer, Melissa Thomas Durand and Leslie McGuinn Davis helped cut the ribbon at Lanier Dental’s ceremony.

Lanier Dental Partners cuts Forsyth ribbon CUMMING, Ga. — Lanier Dental Partners held its ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Cumming location, 360 Dahlonega St., Tuesday, Jan. 13. Lanier Dental’s second office is at 2390 Thompson Road in Dawsonville.

Sawnee EMC to retire $9 million of patronage capital

Mitnick Law Firm opens new office in Alpharetta

CUMMING, Ga. — Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation announced that it is preparing a general retirement of patronage capital to 72,000 eligible members for the years 1994 through 1997. This action will provide a refund of about $9 million to members that received electric service from Sawnee during this four-year period, with varying refunds averaging $103.

Patronage capital is an allocation of revenue in excess of operating costs and expenses and is required by Georgia law.

For more information, call 770-887-2363 or email customerservice@sawnee.com.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Mitnick Law Firm recently moved from its Mansell Road location to an office at 3180 North Point Parkway in the Gates office park, less than a mile from Old Milton Parkway.

The father-and-son team assists clients with most legal issues.

Daniel, who has been in practice since 1994, concentrates chiefly on contested divorce matFrom left: Jared and ters and personal injury Daniel Mitnick cases.

Jared, in practice since 2008, has special education in DUI defense and handles most of the firm’s traffic cases, bankruptcies and all aspects of family law matters. Daniel said the new office preserves the firm’s commitment to providing smallfirm personalized service with the experience and expertise of a large firm.

For more information, visit mitnicklaw.com or call 770-408-7000.

REAL ESTATE »

Legacy Village at Vickery Creek to open in Cumming Call today for your free IT assesment.

Submit your business news & photos to businessnews@appenmediagroup.com

CUMMING, Ga. — Legacy Senior Services announced it will break ground on a 63-unit senior living community in Cumming, to be named Legacy Village at Vickery Creek.

The 50,000-square-foot facility will have an equestrian look, keeping with the character of the surrounding community, and will be located on Post

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Because Taxpayers Deserve A Champion.

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20 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

COMMUNITY

LUKE ROBERT MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

The film, “8 Days,” is based on true events that show how vulnerable young teenagers can quickly become entrapped in “The Life” of sexual slave.

Human trafficking alive and well in suburbs Film, GBI director put spotlight on teens forced into sexual slavery

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – If you think the sexual enslavement of teenage and younger girls is not something that happens in the suburbs, then you are sadly misinformed.

The truth is many of the young girls pulled into the sordid realm of sexual exploitation come from Atlanta’s suburbs.

The U.S. Department of Justice places Atlanta as one of the top 20 highest human trafficking jurisdictions in the country.

Residents have started taking up the cause in suburban Atlanta to fill the gap left by indifferent lawmakers to make the public aware and to begin to bring these human predators to justice.

As part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Perimeter Justice Team at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek is hosting the Atlanta Justice Conference.

Highlighting the one-day event will be GBI Director Vernon Keenan, who will relate the depth and breadth of the human trafficking cancer that is a plague on Georgia and the entire country.

After the address by Keenan, the audience can participate in focus groups to let residents know what they can do to participate in the fight against human trafficking.

A breakfast will be served before the Keenan address.

There will be a break for lunch and the program will conclude at 2:30 p.m.

“We’ve been part of the campaign to raise awareness of the human trafficking issue in Atlanta since 2007,” said Lauren Lopez, Perimeter Church

Trafficking awareness What: The Atlanta Justice Conference; A conference to shine the light on human trafficking and challenge citizens to become part of the action plan to put an end to it.

When: Saturday, Jan.31, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Where: Perimeter Church 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek What: Film, “8 Days” Where: Studio Movie Grill 2800 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Tickets: $10 communications director. “But January is the Human Trafficking Awareness Month. We try to do any awareness events in the month of January to go along with that.”

As part of the awareness effort, the feature film “8 Days” will run for a week at the Studio Movie Grill on Holcomb Bridge Road.

The film is in part sponsored by Out Of Darkness, an anti-trafficking ministry of Atlanta Dream Center. They are dedicated to reaching, rescuing and restoring all victims of commercial exploitation.

“Atlanta is a dark place in the sense that so many men, women and children are being trafficked for sex here. But a light is also shining,” said Jeff Shaw, director of Out Of Darkness. “We are excited to partner with ‘8 Days’ to bring greater awareness and to receive the blessing of financial support to enable us to continue serving with excellence.”

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 21

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22 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Ludwig Symphony hosts Valentine’s concert Roswell singer part of starstudded event ROSWELL, Ga. – The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra will present “A Romantic Valentine’s Day” gala with a “Wee bit o’ the Irish” on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. The evening’s performance features sensational Mexican violinist Anabel Ramirez performing the Paganini Violin Concerto No. 2 “The Bells” and local Atlanta bass Ben Polite interpreting arias of Wagner and Rossini.

Caitlyn Cleary, a student at Roswell High School and winner at the 2014 All-Ireland Competition in Sligo, will sing two Irish tunes. John Lemley of WABE will be master of ceremonies. In keeping with the spirit of Valentine’s Day, every woman will be given a rose.

Ramirez is one of the most exciting young violin talents on the music scene today. Possessing a soulful heart-rending tone and a fiery personality, her formidable technique enables her to play one of the most difficult works ever written in the violin literature.

If you go What: Ludwig Symphony Orchestra’s “A Romantic Valentine’s Day” gala When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell Tickets: Adults, $22; seniors, $19; students, $12 Info: 770-623-8623, www.ludwigsymphony.org Ramirez began her violin studies at age 6 in Mexico City with Russian violinist Gari Petrenko.

She has appeared as soloist with major orchestras including the National Symphony of Mexico, the Orchestra de Mineria, San Antonio Symphony and has performed internationally at the Mozarteum of Salzburg, the Aspen Music Festival and the Musicorda Festival. She won the American String Teachers Association Award as well as the Mozart Medal (2002). Ramirez has been a core member of the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Ballet orchestras since 2008.

Polite, bass vocalist, has built up a substantial follow-

Violinist Anabel Ramirez will join a star-studded performance for Valentine’s Day Feb. 14. ing in Atlanta because of his magnificent voice and powerful presence. Called “the Paul Robeson of our times” by critics, Polite is a graduate of Florida State University and has worked with such notable conductors as Arthur Fagen, Enrique Diemecke and David Ott and directors that include Jasmine Guy and Chaz RadeSchieber. He has appeared as

Roswell singer Caitlyn Cleary will perform as part of the Ludwig Symphony Orchestra Feb. 14 at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

Dr. Bartolo in Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro,” and Don Basilio in Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville.” He will interpret “Mogst du, mein kind” from Wagner’s “Flying Dutchman” and “La Calunnia” from Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville.”

Maestro Thomas Ludwig, former music director of the New York City Symphony and resident conductor for the

American Ballet Theatre with Mikhail Baryshnikov at the Metropolitan Opera House, will lead the 80-piece orchestra in a varied and colorful program that also includes the majestic Tannhauser and Die Miestersinger Overtures of Wagner and the capricious and lighthearted “Italian” Symphony No. 4 of Felix Mendelssohn.

– Jonathan Copsey

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 23

24 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

COMMUNITY

Alpharetta High School students take part in a “test kitchen” program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FEBRUARY EVENTS Come Join Us!

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Alpharetta HS takes part in USDA test program ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta High School was selected as one of only 12 schools in Georgia to participate in a new test program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Angie Yarbrough, the school’s cafeteria manager, is given a new recipe each month to test on students. Students fill out a survey, and their feedback is sent to the USDA for review. Student responses are used to make decisions regarding the use of these recipes in Georgia schools.

AHS teacher Kaylyn Harris was able to integrate the program into a unit of study.

“I responded to Angie’s

request in the beginning of the school year when we were in our Experimental Design unit. When we returned to the classroom, I asked the students what factors they could apply to Experimental Design (control, independent and dependent variables). This served as a good ‘mini review’ of this unit since we covered it so long ago,” said Harris.

All USDA recipes have fruits and/or vegetables as new nutrition guidelines for students. This year, fruits and vegetables are being included in recipes more than ever before.

–Adam Barth

February 7 – 3:00pm - 6:00pm 6th Annual Bowls Fundraiser

This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to purchase handmade, one-of-a-kind pottery made by exceptional ceramic instructors and student volunteers at the Johns Creek Arts Center. With the purchase of a ticket, choose from over 300 beautiful, unique, ceramic pottery bowls and enjoy a variety of chilies from our chili cook off along with refreshments. Arrive early for best selection! Entrance is free for you and your family with the purchase of your $20 ticket.

Bulloch Hall Quilt Guild accepting applications for quilt show

February 15 – 4:00pm - 6:00pm Art Talk & Ladies Tea Crowns Event – Sunday afternoon art talk and reception on African American female artists. Extravagant hats have long been a significant part of African American culture. Participants are encouraged to sport their most lavish millinery creations. People’s Choice Award for the most spectacular hat. Traditional African American desserts and beverages will be served. Free and open to the public. Due to limited seating, online pre-registration is requested. www.johnscreekarts.org

February 28 – 7:00pm - 9:00pm Make Your Mark – Free Teen Event Print Making g With Aaron Artrip

Johns Creek area high school students come together for Open Mic Night, Poetry Slam, Printmaking, Trivia Contest, & Refreshments.

TThis event is free and open to area high school students. Due to limited seating, please register online: www.johnscreekarts.org

Made possible by a grant from

ROSWELL, Ga. — Local quilt makers are invited to apply to be part of the 33rd Great American Cover-Up Quilt Show at Bulloch Hall from March 6-15. The application deadline is Jan. 31. Full application details and the link to submit entries can be found at www.bhqg.org.

Presented by the Bulloch Hall Quilt Guild, this year’s show will feature about 200 quilts made by local artists throughout the antebellum home. The exhibit also will feature “challenge” quilts created by guild members and a display spotlighting quilt artist Dawn Williams Boyd of Atlanta.

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Johns Creek Arts Center 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd., Bldg. 700 Johns Creek, GA 30097 Johns Creek Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering classes, camps and workshops in Sculptural and Functional Ceramics, Visual Arts, Photography, Jewelry, Mosaics, and Theater for youth and adults.

www.johnscreekarts.org 770-623-8448

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COMMUNITY

26 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

FLYING HIGH:

AHS student covering the world of aviation news Writing featured on Fox News

By JOE PARKER news@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta High School sophomore Benjamin Bearup is gaining national recognition for his coverage of aviation news, including an article that was featured by Fox News covering the final days of AirTran in December 2014.

Bearup claims that many of his friends call him a “plane

nerd,” and his interest in aviation began at a young age.

“My passion for aviation is a natural passion. Ever since I was little, I have been fascinated with airplanes. While at the airport I would keep my eyes peeled on the windows to see all of the airplanes moving around,” he said.

Bearup’s relatives also helped cultivate his interest in aviation. Bearup’s great-uncle

was attorney Stewart Speiser, who successfully represented the families of those who were killed on PanAm 103 in Lockerbie, Scotland, as well as Korean Air 007, which was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1983. Another of Bearup’s great-uncles was Col. Robert Ruddick, an Air Force One pilot during the tenures of Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.

In 2014, Bearup began writing for Airline Geeks, a blog site managed by teenagers who

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Alpharetta High School sophomore Benjamin Bearup has created a promising career as an airline journalist. His article on the last days of AirTran was picked up by Fox News.

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share a passion for aviation.

Having gained experience writing for Airline Geeks, Bearup began to seek a larger audience and to work with industry professionals. In July 2014, Bearup began writing for Airways News, a magazine covering aviation and airline news. Bearup now writes multiple stories a week for the publication.

“Roughly 95 percent of my writing comes from home. It is the other 5 percent that make the memories, however,” he said, referring to the travel opportunities the publication affords him.

At only 16 years old, Bearup must balance his schooling at AHS along with his writing and travel.

“Balancing school, my social life and writing can be challenging at times,” he said.

“School definitely comes first.

My social life and writing often interfere with each other. I will often have friends over when aviation news breaks. When this happens, I just quietly pull out my laptop and start researching and writing away.

Many of my friends call me a ‘plane nerd.’”

Bearup’s age is also a factor in how he is treated in an industry devoid of young writers.

“My age has been a touchy subject during my time as a writer,” he said. “A large amount of people have supported me during my writing career. Many at first do not expect someone at my age writing.

“At the same time, I have had my fair share of critics,” he said. “There are people who

disagree with the fact that I write. People have questioned my credibility in reporting on the aviation industry. There have been several times in which I have been denied access to industry events solely due to my age. I just look past these missed opportunities and move on to the next project.”

However, Bearup claims the Airways News has been a very positive experience where any questions of his age are concerned.

“The staff at Airways News has been nothing but constant professionals,” he said.

“I rarely think they view me as different. At the end of the day, we share the same goal of bringing quality and reliable content to our viewers.”

One of Bearup’s recent articles covered his experience traveling on AirTran’s last flight from Milwaukee to Atlanta on Dec. 28, 2014. The article was then picked up by Fox News.

Although Bearup has shown a proficiency in writing, he is not necessarily seeking a journalism career. Instead, Bearup claims, “My dream is to become an executive at either Boeing or Airbus.”

For now, Bearup is certainly enjoying his role covering the world of aviation as he looks toward a future in the skies.

“The most rewarding thing about covering aviation is the people I meet and the places I visit,” Bearup said. “As I started my journey, I never imagined I would travel the country by myself taking such amazing journeys.”

Recycled paper | Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 27

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28 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Johns Creek libraries host events

MAY WE SUGGEST THE BEST WAY

TO FIND THE PERFECT VACATION

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek’s two libraries have scheduled a month’s worth of events for patrons in February.

For more information on these events, contact the Northeast/ Spruill Oak branch, located at 9560 Spruill Road, at 770360-8820 or the Ocee branch, located at 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, at 770-360-8897.

February events • Ocee Reads Book Club – Feb 2 at 2 p.m.; Ocee branch • Everything College Admissions Seminar – Feb. 2 from 6 – 8 p.m.; Northeast/ Spruill Oaks branch • Free Math Tutoring – For students grades K-12. Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 1 – 3 p.m.; Ocee branch • Sunday Dahn Yoga – Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 3:30 p.m.; Ocee branch • Tai-Chi for Relaxation – Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 at 10 a.m.; Ocee branch • Yoga and Meditation – Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 11 a.m.; Ocee branch • Atlanta Junior Bridge – Feb 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.; Ocee

IS NOT BY TRIAL AND ERROR.

branch • Family Fun Storytime University – Feb. 3, 17 and 24 at 10:30 a.m.; Ocee branch • English as a Second Language (ESL) – Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 4 p.m. for beginners and at 5 p.m. for intermediate; Ocee branch • Grounded Kids Yoga – Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.; Ocee branch • Bolly Zumba – Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 1 p.m.; Ocee branch • Six-week SAT tutoring – Feb. 9, 16 and 23 at 6 p.m.; Northeast/ Spruill Oaks branch • Story time for Tots – Feb. 10 at 10:15 a.m.; Northeast/Spruill Oaks branch • Music for Babies with Miss Gail – Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m.; Ocee branch • Introduction to Microsoft Word – Feb 10 at 1 p.m.; Ocee branch • Wacky Wednesday Craft – Ages 5-12. Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m.; Ocee branch • TAB (Teen Advisory Board) – Feb. 12 at 5 p.m.; Ocee branch • Costumes! Games! Art

Class! Prizes! All-In-One Day! – Mini Comic-Con/ DragonCon-style party.

Ages 12-18. Feb. 14 from 2 – 6 p.m.; Northeast/Spruill Oaks branch • African American Story Teller Event – Feb 16 at 2 p.m.; Ocee branch • Introduction to AFPLS Research Databases – Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m.; Ocee branch • Story time for Tots – Feb. 17 and 24 at 10:15 a.m.; Northeast/Spruill Oaks branch • Introduction to Microsoft Excel – Feb. 17 at 1 p.m.; Ocee branch • Young Artists – Ages 7 and up. Feb. 7 and 21 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.; Ocee branch • Chess Club – Ages 5-13.

Feb. 18 at 6 p.m.; Ocee branch • Social Security for Baby Boomers – Feb. 21 from 2 – 4 p.m.; Northeast/Spruill Oaks branch • AARP Smart Driver Course – Feb. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Northeast/Spruill Oaks branch – Joe Parker

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ITB NUMBER #15-057 OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS ON BOLES RD., OLD ALABAMA RD., & MEDLOCK CROSSING

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0 ?;ÄËÁ ~ ÍuË Ë? ßËWÁÖ ÄjËaj¬?ÁÍ ~ËMjw ÁjˤÔÊϤʤyJ^Ë ? aËÍ jËÄjW aË~ÖjÄÍˬ?ßÄË ÖÄÍËyå°^Ë+ 2.Ë?ËgÔååËÄ ¬Ë WÁja ÍËw ÁË ? W ßË ÁË.Ö ÍjËÄÍ?ÍjÁ Ä^Ë ÁËg¤ååËÄ ¬ËWÁja ÍË w ÁË Wj? ËÜ jÝË?WW a?Í Ä±Ë(*Excludes China, Quantum of the Seas or Anthem of the Seas sailings. Must book by 1/31/15.)

Sail Aboard the Legends ,Öjj Ë ?ÁßËÔËVË,Öjj Ë7 WÍ Á ?ËVË,Öjj Ë ã?MjÍ 0Á? Ä Í ? Í W^Ë ? ?a?Ê!jÝË ~ ? a^Ë ja^Ë! ÁÍ jÁ Ë ÖÁ ¬j Ë?Ë,Öjj ÄË ÁË+Á WjÄÄË Á ËÄÍ?ÍjÁ Ë? aËÁjWj ÜjË gÉåˬjÁËa?ßËÄ ¬ËWÁja ÍË´Ë+Áj¬? aË Á?ÍÖ Í jÄË´´´ Sail with Crosby, Stills & Nash Sept. 4th aboard QM2!

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The City of Johns Creek is accepting sealed Invitation to Bid (ITB) from qualified construction firms for Operational Improvements at three (3) locations-Boles Rd., Old Alabama Rd., and Medlock Crossing. Sealed ITB’s will be received no later than 10:00 A.M. on February 26, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097 at which time ITB’s will be opened and publicly read aloud. ITB’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. Deadline for questions is February 12, 2015 @ 5:00PM. The City of Johns Creek, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 78 Stat. 252, 42 USC 2000d—42 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

ITB packages and plans are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga. gov). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 5123233. Please refer to ITB #15-057 and name, Operational Improvements at Boles Rd., Old Alabama Rd., and Medlock Crossing when requesting information. ITB’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the ITB number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an ITB response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. THREE (3) ORIGINAL HARDCOPIES AND ONE (1) ORIGINAL COPY ON CD OF THE ITB MUST BE SUBMITTED. ITB’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the ITB information and instructions enclosed herein.

The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.

Warren Hutmacher City Manager

Mike Bodker Mayor

COMMUNITY

Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 29 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Devontae Cacok signs his letter of intent as Mrs. Cacok looks on. From left, AHS Athletic Director Mike Scheifflee, coach Frederick Hurt and Principal Shannon Kersey look on.

Alpharetta’s Cacok signs with UNC-Wilmington ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Alpharetta High School’s Devontae Cacok has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Cacok was runner up for the 2014 Player of the Year in Region 6-AAAAAA. He also led Alpharetta to a region championship and school record of total wins.

He averaged 21 points per game and 12

rebounds per game last season and was selected to play in the prestigious North vs. South Georgia All-Star game for juniors.

UNCW is a Division I program that plays in the Colonial League.

This season they are under the leadership of new head coach Kevin Keatts, who came to Wilmington from being an assistant at Louisville.

Pet of the Week: Morgan ATLANTA – Meet Morgan, an adorable and goofy dog who will steal your heart with his winning smile.

Morgan is 18 months old and is very friendly and playful.

He is also extremely smart and already knows how to do many tricks on command, including sit, stay, shake and down.

Morgan loves to be around people, play with other dogs and hang out with children. Everyone loves Morgan.

Please come and find out why by dropping by the Fulton Animal Services shelter, emailing adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or calling 404-294-2165. To view other great animals available for adoption, visit www.dekalbanimalservices.com.

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30 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

SPORTS

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP:

Eagles tied for second after stellar 3-0 week Hornets move up with win over Walton

By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – The Milton Eagles ended last week tied for second in Region 5-AAAAAA after a pair of victories, beginning the week with an overtime win over non-region rival Alpharetta.

The Eagles defeated Etowah 48-45 Friday to improve to 9-3 in the region and 12-8 overall. After leading 25-22 at the half, Etowah outscored the Eagles 18-7 in the third quarter, but Milton took the fourth period 16-5 to erase an eight-point deficit. Chris Lewis led Milton with 21 points.

Milton won 54-51 at Woodstock earlier in the week, playing without Lewis. Alex O’Connell scored 20 points for the Eagles, and Jordan Burrow added 13. Milton led 41-27 after three periods before holding off a fourth quarter rally by the Wolverines.

The Eagles opened the week with a 62-60 overtime win over Alpharetta at Peachtree Ridge as part of a series of games on Martin Luther King Day. O’Connell scored 23 points. Lewis and Quarte Sapp had 11 each and Burrow scored 10, as the Eagles rebounded from

a disappointing loss two nights earlier at home against Pope.

Milton led 33-32 early in the fourth period before Pope outscored the Eagles 15-0 over a six-and-a-half-minute stretch and won 47-36. Pope was also 9-3 in the region coming into this week.

After opening the week with a tough 5452 loss at Cherokee, Roswell came back with narrow wins Friday and Saturday to move into fifth place in 5-AAAAAA at 6-7.

After winning 41-40 Friday at Lassiter, the Hornets (9-12) defeated Walton 54-51 at home Saturday.

Sam Jessen led the Hornets with 16 points against Walton, including a threepointer early in the fourth quarter that put the Hornets ahead for good at 44-41. Eric Jones hit three key late free throws and scored 11 points, and brothers Tariq and Malik Abdulgader were strong inside and combined for 18 points.

The Hornets also got a strong defensive effort from Jayden Comma, who helped keep Walton standout Nick Wells from leading a late comeback.

Centennial won 67-52 at Johns Creek and ended the week tied with the Gladiators for third in 6-AAAAAA at 9-5. Terrell Dirton hit four of six three-pointers and led the Knights (12-9) with 25 points, while Darrian Brown was credited with 14 as-

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Basketball scoreboard; Jan. 19 – 24 Boys Monday • Milton 62, Alpharetta 60 – OT • Pinecrest 50, King’s Ridge 45 Tuesday • Milton 54, Woodstock 51 • Cherokee 54, Roswell 52 • Alpharetta 86, North Forsyth 44 • Centennial 67, Johns Creek 52 • Lambert 69, Chattahoochee 51 • West Forsyth 74, Northview 50 • Kell 53, Cambridge 43 • Blessed Trinity 58, Washington 48 • Mount Pisgah 41, Fellowship 31 Friday • Milton 48, Etowah 45 • Roswell 41, Lassiter 40 • Alpharetta 72, Lambert 70 – 2 OT • Chattahoochee 63, Habersham Central 59 • Johns Creek 49, South Forsyth 45 – OT • North Forsyth 58, Northview 45 • Riverwood 46, Cambridge 39 • Mount Pisgah 62, King’s Ridge 33 • St. Francis 75, Fellowship 40 Saturday • Chattahoochee 40, South Forsyth 34 • Roswell 54, Walton 51 • Blessed Trinity 51, Therrell 32

Girls Monday • Pinecrest 64, King’s Ridge 20 Tuesday • Centennial 61, Johns Creek 57 – OT • Chattahoochee 38, Lambert 33 • West Forsyth 49, Northview 33 • North Forsyth 61, Alpharetta 22 • Cherokee 34, Roswell 29 • Woodstock 72, Milton 27 • Kell 61, Cambridge 32 • Washington 75, Blessed Trinity 61 • Mount Pisgah 20, Fellowship 18 Friday • Lassiter 36, Roswell 35 • Etowah 63, Milton 48 • West Forsyth 48, Centennial 32 • Lambert 56, Alpharetta 49 • Habersham Central 46, Chattahoochee 44 • South Forsyth 53, Johns Creek 36 • North Forsyth 56, Northview 33 • Riverwood 57, Cambridge 42 • Mount Pisgah 49, King’s Ridge 16 • St. Francis 59, Fellowship 35 Saturday • Milton 44, Alpharetta 43 • Roswell 48, Walton 33 • South Forsyth 67, Chattahoochee 46 • Therrell 68, Blessed Trinity 50

See BASKETBALL, Page 36

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 31

Raiders unbeaten in region after double-overtime victory

By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The Alpharetta Raiders took complete command in Region 6-AAAAAA with a 72-70 double overtime victory at home Friday night over Lambert.

The Raiders improved to 14-0 in the region. Lambert is in second at 12-2, with both losses against Alpharetta. With only four region games left, all against North Fulton opponents, the Raiders need only two wins to lock up the regular season title and the top seed in the region tournament.

Alpharetta trailed 15-9 after a cold-shooting opening quarter, but reserve Carlos Carriere scored 11 points in the second period, including a trio of three-pointers, to give the Raiders a 30-27 halftime lead.

The Raiders stepped up their defensive pressure in the third quarter and rattled the Longhorns, leading by as many as 14 points before ending the period with a 49-39 lead. Alpharetta regained its 14-point lead early in the final quarter before the Longhorns began to find the range from outside while the Raiders struggled to preserve their lead.

Regulation ended tied 5656, with the Raiders scoring

KEVIN O'BRIEN/SPLIT SECOND IMAGES

Alpharetta’s Devontae Cacok attempts to block the shot of Lambert’s Connor Mannion (24). with 30 seconds to play on a tying basket by Greg James.

Alpharetta appeared to be in trouble in the first overtime pe-

riod when standout post player Devontae Cacok left the game after being hit in the face while drawing an offensive foul.

The Raiders trailed by five points with one minute in the first overtime, but freshman point guard Alex Jones scored

on a three-point play off a turnover. Jaylon Gamble drove for what would have been the tying field goal with 15 seconds on the clock after the Raiders stripped a Lambert player trying to score, but Gamble was called for an offensive foul.

Undeterred, the Raiders again forced a quick turnover and got the ball inside off an inbounds pass to Cacok, who had just returned with a bandage under his eye.

Cacok scored to send the game into a second overtime tied 64-64.

Cacok had been quiet offensively most of the game, as the Raiders frequently put up shots before their big man had a chance to get down the court and set up inside. But the 6-foot-6 senior took over in the second overtime period, scoring all eight of the Raiders’ points.

The Raiders got the ball inside to Cacok for two baskets, and he scored twice on offensive rebounds.

Two of his four baskets came on resounding dunks.

Cacok’s second rebound score came with five seconds on the clock and snapped a 70-70 tie.

Cacok, a UNC-Wilmington commit who is averaging 17 points a game, led the Raiders (17-4 overall) with 21 points.

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32 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

SPORTS

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Patriots shoot for state Team winning despite late start, key injury

By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – As far as the Mount Pisgah Patriots are concerned, the 2014-15 basketball playoffs are already under way.

The Patriots are battling for a spot in the state Class A private school tournament,

and their late-season schedule is filled with games against teams that have either locked up a playoff spot or are in a similar situation to Mount Pisgah.

Coming into last week’s games, the Patriots were 13th in the power rankings (the top 16 qualify for state), with a key game last weekend against fellow playoff contender King’s Ridge.

Two of Mount Pisgah’s last five games are against two other teams battling for one of the 16 spots, along with games against St. Francis (No. 1) and

Whitefield Academy (No. 8).

“We’re in the playoffs now,” Mount Pisgah coach Matt Petersen said after a 41-31 victory last week over Fellowship Christian.

After that win and a big 6233 victory Friday over King’s Ridge, the Patriots were 5-4 in Region 6-A South and 11-8 overall.

They had games left against Walker (19 in last week’s power ranking), Providence Christian (10) and Hebron Christian (14), along with the two against the subregion’s top two teams.

This is Petersen’s first season as the team’s head coach, and he and his players have had to overcome several obstacles to put themselves in position for a postseason run.

The Patriots were one of the last teams in the state to start their season, beginning Nov. 29 against Blessed Trinity, which was playing its sixth game.

With three of the team’s starters also starters in football, a late start was necessary.

The basketball season began the night after the football team lost in the second round of the state playoffs.

Mount Pisgah lost its opener to BT, a state-ranked Class AAA team, but the Patriots’ biggest loss that night was an injury suffered by 6-foot-7 senior center Jesse Deloach,

one of the starters who doesn’t play football. Deloach, who will play at Western Carolina on a scholarship, hyper-extended his knee in the game and hasn’t played since.

Petersen hopes to get Deloach back in early February.

If the Patriots’ center is close to full strength, the team could be a dangerous playoff opponent, considering how they have played in his absence.

The 6-foot-7 Deloach is the team’s lone post player, with the Patriots going 10-7 since his injury while starting a lineup Petersen says effectively consists of “five guards.

We have nobody taller than 6-foot-3.”

Without Deloach, who provided a strong rebounding and shot-blocking presence, the

See PATRIOTS, Page 39

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SPORTS

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 33

Fellowship girls in position to make state Multi-sport athletes key team’s success

By MIKE BLUM news@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – The Fellowship Christian Lady Paladins are in line for a state tournament berth in basketball with a team that largely consists of players whose primary sport is not basketball.

Senior Kelsey Royalty, a four-year starter and the team’s top player, is headed to Samford on a softball scholarship. Starters Abigail Freemyer, Megan Hudgens and Olivia Karam are soccer players.

Two others were members of the FCS volleyball team that reached the state semifinals.

“We have some athletes,” head coach Clay Price said, “but not necessarily basketball players.”

That fact is occasionally evident on offense, where the Fellowship girls have at times struggled. Last week’s key Region 6-A South win over Mount Pisgah was a case in point, as the Paladins managed to score a 20-18 victory despite a dreadful shooting effort.

Fellowship held Mount Pisgah to two points in the final period and pulled out the win with the aid of two threepointers in the fourth quarter.

Hudgens, a point guard who started last year, connected with a little over four minutes to play to pull the Paladins within a point, and Karam hit a corner three with 3:10 on the clock.

Both teams committed several turnovers after that, and neither scored. Fellowship hung on for the win. The Paladins (5-3 in the sub-region and 11-6 overall) began the week 15th in the Class A private school power rankings. They were likely to move up thanks to the win over the Lady Patriots (5-4, 11-9), who were ninth in the rankings and likely to drop a few spots after losing for the sixth time in the last seven games.

The top 16 teams at the end of the season qualify for state, and the Paladins are looking to be one of the 16, despite the lack of scoring.

“Defense has been a constant,” Price said. He pointed to his team’s effort against the Patriots’ Paige Peterson, who scored 23 points against the Paladins earlier in the season in a 37-32 win over FCS. Peterson was held without a point in last week’s win and the Fellowship coach said his team was determined to prevent a repeat of the previous meeting.

“We did not allow her to spot up and we needed that effort,” Price pointed out. The Paladins have begun playing

more zone defense of late, and Price said, “The zone has been very good for us. It’s helped us rebound.”

Royalty, a versatile player who can run the offense or use her 5-foot-10 height to play inside, has been the team’s one consistent scoring threat, but has gotten offensive help from a variety of teammates.

Karam, Hudgens, Freemyer, Cameron Swartz and Rebekah Mann have all had double figure scoring games this season, and Price said, “We need to share the basketball for us to be successful.”

Royalty “has not taken as many shots this season as she’s taken before, but has made some outstanding passes,” Price said, with the senior managing just one field goal against Mount Pisgah.

She missed three games earlier this season, with the Paladins losing two of them by narrow margins.

“I think that made us a little better,” Price said. “We learned from those close game situations. Even though we were not successful, we turned them into a positive when Kelsey came back.”

The Paladins won two close

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games shortly after that in a tournament at Fannin County, and Price said that was where “I could see us grow up collectively as a team.”

Fellowship returned nine players, with Royalty and Freemyer, who also started last season, the lone seniors and the other seven all juniors.

Swartz, a freshman, had a key three-pointer against the Patriots after the Paladins went scoreless for more than sixand-a-half minutes to start the third quarter.

Swartz scored 21 points Friday in a 59-35 loss to state

No. 1 St. Francis.

The Paladins last made the playoffs in 2008, Price’s first season as head coach, but a

return to postseason play is within reach with just a handful of games remaining before the region tournament tips off.

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34 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

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‘Taking the easy way out’

Investigatory panel puts Sexton impeachment case in Georgia Attorney General’s lap

By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — A panel that was to decide the possible impeachment of Councilman Rupert Sexton instead advised the City Council to punt the issue to the Georgia attorney general. This marks the second time in five weeks that the attorney general has been drawn into city of Cumming matters.

Sexton said it’s just another way to embarrass him.

“I’ve not done anything and they’re trying to use legal maneuvers to force me to resign or get me off the board,” Sexton said.

The potential impeachment arose after Sexton was accused of releasing the personal financial and health insurance information of Cumming city employees on Facebook, including Mayor H. Ford Gravitt’s girlfriend, Angela Mullinax. Sexton has denied

this.

The revelation that Mullinax, who is not a full-time employee of the city of Cumming, receives city health insurance has caused a stir in Cumming and prompted a protest before a special called meeting Jan. 20, in which the investigatory panel discussed the next step in the impeachment process.

“I heard that the mayor’s girlfriend was getting free health care, so I was wondering if I could too,” said Suzanne Chapman, protest organizer. “The problem is that the mayor’s embarrassed that he’s been found out. Sexton is the whistleblower, and they’re going after him and [trying to] impeach him when he did nothing wrong.”

The investigatory panel, comprised of City Attorney Dana Miles, former Forsyth County Commissioner Patrick Bell and local businessman

Steve Page, first met Jan. 13 to assess impeachment allegations against Sexton.

At the Jan. 20 meeting, the panel reported their findings to the Cumming City Council.

Miles read the report and recommendation of the panel, and said the panel is concerned with two legal issues.

Prior to any further action being taken in the impeachment process, Miles said the panel has requested an opinion from the attorney general of Georgia or a declaratory judgment action in Supreme Court.

At issue is the question of whether Section 51 of the city charter dealing with the city’s impeachment process is fair, providing appropriate due process for Sexton; and whether the release of the employees’ information violated state and federal privacy laws in OCGA Section 50-18-72(A), Subsection

PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN STURGEON

Councilman Rupert Sexton watches the protestors, who rallied in his defense against a possible impeachment.

20 through 21 or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996,

HIPPA.

See SEXTON, Page 35

COMMUNITY

Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 35 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Sexton: Continued from Page 34 The council discussed the panel’s recommendation and ultimately voted to ask the attorney general for an opinion.

The panel was discharged of further duties.

This is not the first time the state attorney general has been involved with the city of Cumming recently.

An investigation was sparked by a letter from Sexton to Assistant Attorney General Kelly Campanella, in which Sexton alleges the Cumming City Council held an illegal meeting on or about Dec. 16, 2014 to discuss revising how spouses receive health benefits.

Campanella responded Jan. 14 by saying “without further information or evidence to bear out the claims of an improper meeting.

The matter appears to amount to a scenario of dueling faction accounts. As such, this office is not in a position to litigate or otherwise pursue the matter further.”

Now the attorney general will be asked for an opinion again.

Sexton said the panel was taking the easy way out.

“They put everything in the lap of the attorney general,” Sexton said. “They should have already cleared everything before now.”

Miles was asked Dec. 23, 2014 about contacting the attorney general for an

Timeline of events • Dec. 16, 2014: Councilmen hold City Council meeting, discuss insurance policies. Later on that night, city employees’ health insurance document is leaked on social media.

• Dec. 23, 2014: City holds special called meeting regarding leaked document and possible impeachment of Councilman Rupert Sexton. Votes to create investigatory panel.

• Jan. 13: Investigatory panel interviews Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, Councilman Lewis Ledbetter, Councilman Ralph Perry and Human Resources Director Phil Higgins.

• Jan. 20: Protest over Angela Mullinax getting health insurance through the city, prior to special called meeting in which panel brings findings to council. Decides to ask Georgia’s attorney general for legal opinion.

opinion on the impeachment case, but he said he hadn’t at that time because it’s “not his obligation to contact the attorney general’s office about it.”

Sexton said he believes the attorney general has “already basically decided on those two questions,” but he wouldn’t reveal his source.

“I have information that if they go forward with an impeachment, the attorney general will step in,” Sexton said.

Sexton said there is no doubt the impeachment charge is retaliation for the release of the list. While recently in the hot seat, Sexton said it’s nice to have people supporting him.

“I feel pretty good,” Sexton said.

The council is waiting to hear back from the attorney general.

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK Tuesday, February 10, 2015 OPEN HOUSE and Possible Quorum Johns Creek Central Business District Redevelopment Plan The City of Johns Creek will host an OPEN HOUSE on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 beginning at 7pm. The purpose of the Open House is to have Urban Design Associates provide information and receive feedback regarding the Johns Creek Central Business District Redevelopment Plan.

In conformance with the Georgia Open Meetings Law, please note a quorum of the City of Johns Creek Mayor and Council Members may be in attendance. In addition members of the Arts and Culture Board, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Public Arts Board along with members of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals may also be in attendance at this Open House scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Johns Creek City Hall Council Chambers (3rd floor) which is located at 12000 Findley Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097. This Open House is from 7pm until 9pm and the public is invited to attend. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 678-512-3212 should you have any questions or need assistance.

Joan Jones, City Clerk

www.nfultonhospital.com

Suzanne Chapman and her mother, Una Harrel. Chapman organized the protest.

36 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Team: Continued from Page 6 Dunwoody city manager.

Greer is also a certified project manager and has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Georgia.

The three assistant city managers will each manage separate areas of responsibility over different departments and answer to Hutmacher.

“Their jobs will be to assist in the day-to-day operations of the departments they oversee,” Hutmacher said.

Taylor will have the responsibility of communications,

community relations and information technology.

Kirouac will have oversight of the municipal court and economic development and its implementation while working in conjunction with Johns Creek Advantage, the citybusiness partnership working for economic development.

Greer will oversee parks and recreation; intergovernmental relations with Fulton County, the General Assembly and the Georgia Municipal Association. She will also have oversight of city projects as needed and look at strategic outsourcing.

One of the projects the city will be taking up is a review of the contract with CH2M Hill.

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com | Recycled paper As the city looks at rebidding the contract for services with CH2M Hill, it will also review outsourcing of city services.

“It is just time to take a look at what we’ve done in the past and see if there is another creative way to use the private sector,” said Hutmacher. “We want to look at expected revenues and expected expenses.

“We have no strategic initiatives at this time. We are preparing for a parks and recreation master plan,” he said. “We want to develop an economic development strategy and information technology master plan.”

These are major studies that will chart a positive course for the city in the coming years.

2015 North Fulton Hospital

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There will be some sub-area studies as well. Kimball Bridge Road and State Bridge Road will be two of those. Another is the revitalization of the Boca Bargoons shopping center.

The City Center study is already under way. There will be a great deal of data collection for that, beginning with focus groups in early February to identify various interests in the district. Urban Design has already been awarded the contract for that.

Each of the new assistant city managers will bring their unique sets of talents into play for the city.

Kirouac is already well known in Johns Creek for having piloted the city through many rezoning cases and headed up community focus groups such as the one that recently ended with changes to the community sign ordinances.

“I think I bring a set of management skills which are portable. I enjoy building and reforming systems. I think I have the talent to be the O.C. [offensive coordinator] on a team,” Kirouac said.

In other words, he likes to look outside the box for solutions.

Taylor’s background in city

Basketball: Continued from Page 30

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sists.

Mark Lancaster had 17 for Johns Creek (11-10), which came back Friday with a 4945 overtime win over South Forsyth. Ian Joseph scored 14 points, and Lancaster and Chase Campbell scored 13 each for the Gladiators, who have lost twice to Centennial this season.

Chattahoochee (13-8) is fifth in the region at 7-7 after Saturday’s win over South Forsyth.

Blessed Trinity remained unbeaten in its 4-AAA subregion with a pair of wins. The Titans are 7-0 in the subregion and 17-4 overall with a key game Tuesday at home against Westminster.

St. Francis is also unbeaten in its 6-A sub-region (7-0, 17-3) and ranked first in the Class A private school power rankings. Mount Pisgah (5-4, 11-8) and King’s Ridge (4-5, 9-13) are battling for third in the sub-region behind St. Francis and Whitefield Academy.

government has prepared him for overseeing various departments. He doesn’t see himself as a micro-manager.

“I am more of a generalist. I look at operations and how they function and can be streamlined,” Taylor said. “I can bring things to the table to help people do a better job of managing the city.”

Greer says she has a lot of hands-on experience in seeing large projects through.

“I’m a certified projects manager, and I have had oversight of some large ones, and I know how to navigate the grants procedures, which are important to getting the city money that is available to it,” Greer said.

She noted Energy Efficiency grants are highly detailed and require the background knowledge to give the government agencies the information they are looking for and in the way they want it presented.

“I bring order to the chaos,” Greer said.

She will also be involved in writing the requests for proposals, helping prepare programs 10 years out so that the city will have the facilities it needs to do the things that need doing and not duplicating the private sector.

The Centennial girls solidified their fourth place position in Region 6-AAAAAA with a 6157 overtime victory last week against Johns Creek.

The Lady Knights led 32-26 at the half before being outscored 19-5 in the third quarter. Centennial took the fourth quarter 18-10 to force overtime and outscored Johns Creek 6-2 in overtime. Jada Triplett connected on eight of 13 threepointers for the Knights and scored 13 points, and Jillah Moede had 12 points and 17 rebounds, 10 on offense.

Johns Creek (5-9, 10-11) fell into sixth place behind Chattahoochee (6-8, 12-9) in the region standings.

St. Francis was unbeaten in its 6-A sub-region (7-0) and was 15-2 overall going into Saturday’s showdown against Osborne, one of the top teams in AAAAAA. St. Francis is No. 1 in the Class A private school rankings.

Fellowship Christian (5-3, 11-6) was third in the region and Mount Pisgah (5-4, 11-9) was fourth, with both teams vying for spots in the state tournament.

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Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 37 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Shiver your timbers Pirates sail again If you’re tired of the weather and would just like to get out of Dodge, why not set a course straight down Interstate 75 to Tampa for one of the largest and most unique outdoor events? It’s the Gasparilla Pirate Fest.

I apologize for the bait-andswitch of the gas one-tank home state trips, but this event in our neighbor state is so special and so timely, I just had to tell you about it. It’s just a seven-hour drive, so you can make it in time for the Friday night concert if you get away before noon.

This venerable festival just celebrated its centennial last year. It began only a few years after Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders bivouacked on the lushly landscaped grounds of the Plant Hotel, the pride of the West Coast, while the officers bunked in the elegant hotel.

Jose Gaspar was an 18thcentury aristocrat educated at the Spanish Naval Academy, who took a dastardly tack, led a mutiny on the vessel and set sail for the Straits of Florida, turning pirate.

Gasparilla Island, one of the Barrier Islands of the coast of Tampa, is said to be named for this last of the buccaneers.

And so today his exploits are still remembered. Since 1904, the invasion of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla has been re-enacted. That first one had to have been a hoot, as it was a surprise cooked up by the society editor of the local paper. She chose Patron Rogue Gaspar’s nickname to set the theme for the merriment.

Today, their craft is the only fully pimped out pirate ship built in modern times, loaded “stem to stern and capstan to crow’s nest” with hundreds of Tampa’s movers and shakers. Some will

Light: Continued from Page 8 advance.

A few types of open meetings include city councils, county commissions, regional development authorities, library and school boards, planning commissions and zoning boards.

Georgia’s Open Meetings Laws “applies to nearly every group that performs any function of a government entity.”

There are exceptions to this law as well, including personnel matters, legal actions and certain conflicts of right-

JEMILLE WILLIAMS

Senior contributor on TripAdvisor jemille@bellsouth.net

If you go What: Gasparilla Pirate Fest When: Friday, Jan. 30 Charity concert $28 – $70 Saturday, Jan. 31 Pirate Invasion 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. $0 – $40 for bleacher seating $88 – $107 for Scully’s Pirate Hospitality Invasion brunch 10 a.m.

– 1 p.m. $70 (brunch only) – $112 (max level of combo) More info: GasparillaPirateFest.com be puffing on good ol’ Tampa cigars and knocking back sponsors Captain Morgan and Busch’s brews.

The Invasion comes first by sea, launching Saturday morning, Jan. 31, with a fearless flotilla of hundreds of watercraft, heedless of musket and cannon shot from the mother ship.

Ashore, they corner the mayor at the Convention Center, and he caves, handing them the Key to the City and acquiescing to the Invasion on foot.

Half a million spectators turn out to watch the spectacle featuring more than 100 units, including at least 12 marching bands and floats of 50 different krewes, including the Budweiser Clydesdales and a muledrawn wagonload of Rough Riders (well known for their exuberant cries of “Bully!”).

Onlookers of all ages clamto-know, such as real estate sales.

It’s important to know which meetings are open and which are closed, in case something similar to what happened to citizen blogger Nydia Tisdale occurs.

Tisdale was kicked out for trying to video record a Cumming City Council meeting in 2012 – an open meeting.

While this case was a good example of Open Meetings Laws, the recent health insurance scandal may soon be a good example of the Open Records Act. With taxpayers footing the bill for any illegal actions regarding the Sunshine Laws, it’s important to know your rights.

or for the booty of beads and coins from the scurvy invaders.

(Don’t forget your sunscreen and ear plugs. Pirates are LOUD.) A couple of decades ago, the women folk decided they were tired of watching the guys have all the fun, so they formed their own krewes. A favorite of mine is The Unsinkable Krewe of Molly Brown, whose float resembles the Titanic. Now, many krewes are open to both genders.

The 4.5-mile waterfront route wends past some of

Tampa’s loveliest homes (including the one featured in the media in conjunction with Gen. Petraeus!)

Homeboys Atlanta Rhythm

Section will open for the Commodores Friday at 6:30 p.m., and events kick off at 10 a.m.

Saturday with the brunch, Pirate Invasion and parade.

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38 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

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Shine Ministry offers community for special needs families Will hold ‘respite’ event Jan. 31

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com

If you go What: Shine Ministry Respite When: Jan. 31, from 1-4 p.m.

Where: Alpharetta First Baptist Church, 44 Academy Street, Alpharetta Cost: Free More Info: www.fbca. com/shine-programs

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Life can be difficult for families with members who have special needs. Constant attention or care are necessities and can leave little room for the caretaker, often a family member, bring their loved ones there to have time to themselves. and be cared for,” said JenAlpharetta First Baptist nifer Burton, co-director of the Church offers its Shine MinisShine Ministry. try Respite for “The caretakers special needs and guardians families in order who are under to bring them stress can get a into the conbreak.” gregation and The miniscommunity. try holds such On Jan. 31, events throughfrom 1-4 p.m., out the year. the church will Burton said host a special she became needs respite involved in the for special ministry when needs famishe and her lies, where the daughter, who church will care has special for individuals JENNIFER BURTON needs, began for the afterCo-director of the Shine Ministry attending the noon. church.

“The respite “There was is an opportusuch a strong support for the nity for families to come and

The respite is an opportunity for families to come and bring their loved ones there and be cared for.”

Carli Walters (left) and Kathleen Burton have a great time together at the respite event. The First Baptist Church will host a special needs respite Jan. 31 for families. family,” Burton said. “We want other families to know they can have the same thing.”

Families with special needs members are under constant strain – financial, physical and emotional stress can tear apart such families.

“We wanted to let the special needs community

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know we do care about them,” Burton said. “Families often do not feel there is a place for them. But there is a place to you and the doors are open to you.”

Shine Ministry is an ongoing program on Sunday mornings to allow the families to worship.

The respite is Jan. 31 from 1-4 p.m. at the church, 44 Academy St., Alpharetta.

All ages are accepted and a registered nurse will be on site.

While the event is free, registration is required.

For information and registration, visit www.fbca.com/ shine-programs.

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johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 39

SarahCare hosts fall and fire prevention training class CUMMING, Ga. — SarahCare at Johns Creek will offer a free educational opportunity through a Forsyth County Fire Department class to help older adults reduce falls and fire risks.

Attendees will also learn about resources that are available to seniors through the fire department and sheriff’s office.

This free class is open to anyone who provides care for older adults in the community.

The location and time of the training are SarahCare, 4265 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B, on Jan. 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Patriots: Continued from Page 32 Patriots are vulnerable against taller, stronger opponents. But starting five perimeter players also “causes some matchup problems with those teams,” Petersen points out.

The Deloach-less Patriots are led by seniors Aaron Winchester and Ben Miller, the all-state football quarterback and his leading receiver.

Miller, several inches short of 6 feet, leads the team in scoring with more than 15 points a game, and gives the team a dangerous long-range shooter.

Miller also directs the offense with some help from Winchester, who is averaging more than 12 points a game and leads the team in steals and rebounds with the athleticism he displayed on the football field.

Connor Richey, the third football starter, averages 9.5 points and at 6-foot-3 is the tallest active player.

The three football players combined for 36 of the

If you go What: Fall and fire prevention training class Who: SarahCare at Johns Creek When: Jan. 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 4265 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B More info: To register, email LLColeman@ ForsythCo.com To register, email LLColeman@ForsythCo.com or call SarahCare at 770-476-8400.

Light refreshments will be served. team’s 41 points in the win over Fellowship, with Winchester leading the way with 16.

The Patriots have gotten a lift from freshman Brandon Younger, who averages 8.5 points. Kevin Ginty, a 6-foot2 junior, has moved into the lineup in Deloach’s absence, with freshman Brandon Pope, sophomore JonErik Alford and junior Will Custis contributing off the bench.

After playing without Deloach almost the entire season, Mount Pisgah will have to make an offensive adjustment when he returns. But Petersen doesn’t think that will be a problem, as the team’s veteran players have played with others previously.

Even with the late start for the football players, getting acclimated to a new coach and the injury to Deloach, the Patriots came back from the opening loss to win their next three games, and have positioned themselves to make some late-season noise.

“We’ve got an opportunity,” Petersen said. “We’ve just to get everybody healthy.”

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40 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Debut: Continued from Page 9 Missing was the usual horse-trading that was a hallmark of county budget hearings in which the budget was carved up like so much pork to bring home to one’s district.

Hausmann said these commissioners showed a much more business-like approach

that showed the ability to compromise, and they understood the need to restructure operations in more cost-effective ways.

Above all, there was a much more collegial atmosphere and respect for one another. That fostered a spirit of cooperation that has been sorely lacking since the day Mitch Skandalakis was elected chairman. He was always more interested in garnering headlines than he

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com | Recycled paper was in garnering support from his fellow commissioners.

But he has been long gone, and over the years and up until this past election, some of the old baggage had continued to exist on the BOC. It may be early days for the Fulton Commission, but this budget it has produced bodes well for the coming issues that will face Fulton County.

It is not only the result they achieved, but the professional

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way they went about it.

Eaves hailed this budget as a new day of cooperation.

Hausmann said as much. She puts a lot of the weight on the redistricting that has at last given North Fulton its just representation on the board.

No doubt, this has had a leavening effect on the board also.

In the past, one old hand in commission politics told me it was always about getting the four votes needed for a majority to do anything.

And certainly in the bad old days, that was true. But this board appears to be as interested in the systemic health of the county and the services it provides.

In my years covering Fulton County, it seemed that each year it was government by crisis. Around mid-year, the county would cut back, freeze new hiring, freeze wages or take some other measures that left everyone holding their collective breath at the end.

Hausmann said she is encouraged that this BOC wants to take the actions necessary to make Fulton County much more stable.

“Just give us the time,” Hausmann said. “This is a great first step.”

If she is right, and Fulton can get its fiscal house stabilized, the county can take its rightful place as a leading light among the metro counties.

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Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 41 Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com

Roswell gets 1st glimpse at Riverwalk Village 104-acre mixed-use development at Ga. 400, Holcomb Bridge

By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. – The next big project for North Fulton is the coming 104-acre mixed-use development of Riverwalk Village, at the intersection of Ga. 400 and Holcomb Bridge Road.

Roswell NEXT, a networking and social group for Roswell, hosted an information meeting Jan. 22 at the Aurora Cineplex, where Riverwalk’s architects were able to present their ideas for the project to a crowd of residents.

As presented, Riverwalk Village is an ecologically driven development that will include parks and public spaces, pedestrian-oriented areas near retail and entertainment and a system of public running, walking and biking trails that will connect the development and surrounding neighborhoods to the Chattahoochee River.

The developer, Duke Land Group, holds more than $2 billion in real estate in the metro area. As Roswell Inc Executive Director Steve Stroud said, “They know what they are doing.”

The Riverwalk property is 104 acres that follows the east side of Ga. 400 from just south of Holcomb Bridge Road south to touch the Chattahoochee River, with Old Alabama Road following the property to the east. Currently, some apartment buildings sit on the site. A large pond is in the center and feeds into the river.

Riverwalk comes as the economy is rebounding and large, mixed-use developments are becoming hot commodities. Alpharetta’s Avalon just up Ga. 400 is similar in concept.

Roswell is no longer a small town.

With nearly 100,000 residents, it is one of the largest cities in the state.

Stroud said such a development was necessary as a means to build quality, affordable housing in the city, a feature that is largely lacking.

“I want this so my daughter can

come back [from college] and has a great place to work and live and an affordable place to work, live and play and enjoy all the great things I enjoy,” he said.

If developed as currently planned, an office park will be to the southern end of the site, with eight- to 10-story buildings sitting on the lowest grade of the land. To the center and north of the site will be multi-family residential buildings with retail beneath. A supermarket will be onsite, along with a school.

The hope is the development will be largely self-sufficient. Residents will live and work in or near the site.

Kevin Sloan, the principal architect and urban planner, called the development “landscape-driven urbanism.” He designed the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Sprint headquarters campus as well as the south campus for Syracuse University. He said he primarily works with taking the landscape and working around it, not simply bulldozing it.

“We want to make sure it’s done right,” he said.

Sloan said he will use “abundant” Georgia plants native to the state to create a landscape in the property. Just under half the site will be left open, and 12 percent will be dedicated to nature preserve, largely to the south, near the river.

Resident reaction from the Aurora presentation was generally positive, if cautious.

“It looks great. You can spend the whole day there and not get in your car,” said resident Chipper Gronholm, who watched the presentation.

He added that traffic on Holcomb Bridge Road can be bad, and adding so many people could make it worse.

Riverwalk has not yet come before the city for official approval or public input. The developers expect this process to begin mid-year. Construction could begin in the next two years.

“This is just the beginning of the conversation,” Stroud said. “[The plan] can be tweaked and discussed.”

For more about Roswell NEXT, visit their website at www.roswellnext.org.

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42 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

SCHOOLS

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Local tennis player signs with Presbyterian College ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Presbyterian College signed Tracy Johnson, of Alpharetta, to join the women’s tennis team for its 2015-16 season.

“I am really excited that Tracy will be joining our program next year.

She is a fabulous tennis player and extremely athletic,” said head coach Catherine Dunagan. “I have no doubt that she will reach her full potential here at PC. With both her academic and athletic success, she is everything

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University of North Georgia

that we look for in a student-athlete. I look forward to watching her grow into a strong leader for the future of our program.”

Johnson, a 5-foot-11, right-handed 4-star recruit out of Rivers Academy, trains at the Windward Tennis Academy and is currently ranked 14th in Georgia by TennisRecruiting.net. Johnson has been ranked in the Top 30 in the South and has reached in the Top 100 nationally.

first set of “gold bars” at the University of North Georgia, and was commissioned into the U.S. Army following graduation.

Clemson University

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – University of North Georgia’s spring graduating cadets were awarded commissions as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army or Georgia National Guard.

Justin M. Stephens earned a bachelor’s of business administration degree and will be stationed with the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

Stephens, of Cumming, is the son of Michael and Debbie Stephens and a 2009 graduate of South Forsyth High School.

Stephens served his senior year as the president of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and was inducted into the ROTC honor society Scabbard and Blade.

Stephen C. Mulhern, son of Leslie Mulhern and John Tumblin, received a Certificate of Commendation and his first set of “gold bars” during ceremonies at the University of North Georgia, and was commissioned into the U.S. Army following graduation.

Brooke E. Mazur, daughter of Kirsten Rappa and Brendan Mazur, received a Certificate of Commendation and her

CLEMSON, S.C. – Bridget Johnson of Roswell was named to the President’s List for the 2014 spring semester, earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average for the semester. In addition, she was also inducted as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership and honors organization. Johnson is a 2013 graduate of Roswell High School and is the daughter of Ray and Karen Johnson.

The Citadel CHARLESTON, S.C. – Members of The Citadel class of 2014 were recognized for excellence in leadership, service and academics at commencement ceremonies following the spring semester. The following local students graduated: Eric Joseph Bueltel of Cumming, Brian Eugene Dopson of Roswell and Connor Macquire Reasoner Blasch of Alpharetta.

University of Georgia ATHENS, Ga. – Lorin Janae

Tracy Johnson to be a “Scotty” next year.

Crear has enrolled at the University of Georgia as a Stamps Foundation Fellow.

The value of the Stamps Foundation Fellowship for four years at UGA is worth up to approximately $84,000, including enrichment funds for international travel, research internships and outdoor leadership experiences.

Chosen for her leadership, scholarship, perseverance, service and creativity, Crear plans to study biology at UGA. The child of Walter and Monika Crear, she graduated summa cum laude from Chattahoochee High School, where she served as yearbook copy editor and president of the Books for Africa Club.

She is a first-degree black belt in American Karate and has volunteered as small group leader at North Point Community Church.

Also at the University of Georgia, Madelyn Teel of Milton was recently recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, the national leadership and honors organization.

Valdosta State University VALDOSTA, Ga. – Joely Caroline Henriquez, a 2013 graduate of Alpharetta High School, has been inducted into the Sigma Alpha Lambda National Honor Society at Valdosta State University. A sophomore with a 3.6 GPA majoring in

speech communication with an emphasis in public relations, Henriquez is an active member of VSU’s Phi Mu Kappa Beta chapter.

In addition, local students recently graduated and/or earned Dean’s List status from Valdosta State following the spring 2014 term.

Graduates: Terrae Alexander of Suwanee, Mariela Andersen of Alpharetta, Kristen Bates of Cumming, Paige Boccia of Alpharetta, Hannah Bodie of Cumming, Shayla Brawner of Cumming, Makeda Bryce of Alpharetta, Alexis Carter of Alpharetta, Carl Caballes of Cumming, Bradley Covert of Alpharetta, Stephanie Crook of Alpharetta, Jacob Edwards of Roswell, Jonathan Frost of Duluth, Nikole Fuente of Alpharetta, Ashlie Gilbert of Alpharetta and Dana Griffith of Duluth.

Kelly Hessler of Alpharetta, Melissa Insardi of Alpharetta, Derrick Iverson of Milton, Ayannah John of Roswell, Ericson Joubert of Suwanee, Thomas Keller of Cumming, Elizabeth Knutson of Milton, Baily Korb of Johns Creek, James Lord of Roswell, Ashley McKenna of Cumming, Colleen McGinn of Alpharetta, Natalie McPherson of Cumming and Brian Miller of Cumming.

Chris O’Connor of Cumming, Rebecca Perkins of Milton, Coleman Rankin of

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NOTICE OF CITY OF ALPHARETTA GENERAL ELECTION AND CANDIDATE QUALIFICATION FEES YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 3rd day of November, 2015, a non-partisan general election will be held in the City of Alpharetta, Georgia to elect a Mayor and three (3) Members of the City Council (Posts 4, 5 and 6). All candidates for Mayor shall pay a qualifying fee of $900.00 and candidates for election to City Council shall pay a qualifying fee of $450.00.

Coty Thigpen, City Clerk City of Alpharetta, Georgia

Roswell, Ainsley Robinson of Johns Creek, Rachel Santangelo of Milton, Louie Schroeder of Alpharetta, Sierra Schultz of Alpharetta, Cody Smith of Alpharetta, Melissa Sams of Suwanee, Christopher Spooner of Roswell, Jessica Tuggle of Alpharetta and Kaitlyn Wild of Suwanee.

Dean’s List: Maegan Abkemeier of Cumming, Shabana Ahmed of Alpharetta, Natalie Ajamian of Roswell, Caroline Baum of Roswell, Lucas Bell of Johns Creek, Isaac Berrios of Alpharetta, Austin Bohannon of Roswell, Brennan Byrd of Cumming, Jason Champ of Cumming, Stewart Cockerham of Alpharetta, Stephanie Crawford of Alpharetta, Matthew Deese of Roswell, Madison DiMauro of Alpharetta and Elizabeth Eaton of Alpharetta.

Alison Fay of Cumming, Maci Fletcher of Cumming, Alena Franks of Cumming, Nikole Fuente of Alpharetta, Zachary Gainey of Cumming, Grant Gardner of Duluth, Ashlie Gilbert of Alpharetta, Hannah Gorman of Duluth, Michael Habib of Roswell, Anna Hardin of Alpharetta, Allyson Hayenga of Alpharetta, Joely Henriquez of Alpharetta, Daniella Hermoza of Roswell and Melanie Jackson of Alpharetta.

Andrew Jeschke of Alpharetta, Naomi Johnston of Cumming, Charles Keeling of Alpharetta, Baily Korb of Johns Creek, Emily Li of Duluth, Natalie McPherson of Cumming, Cody Mixon of Cumming, Dillon Moore of Cumming, Victoria Papadelis of Duluth, Patricia Price of Cumming, Emily Raymond of Alpharetta and Cody Smith of Alpharetta.

Erica Smitherman of Duluth, Margaret Stauffer of Roswell, Shelby Varchmin of Cumming, Taylor Watts of Alpharetta, Jamie West of Alpharetta, Christopher Whelan of Cumming, James Whelan of Cumming, Courtney Whitenack of Duluth and Kyle Wilkerson of Duluth.

See VARSITY, Page 45

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PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK CALL FOR SPECIAL ELECTION IN CONJUNCTION WITH A NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION The City of Johns Creek has CALLED for a SPECIAL ELECTION in conjunction with the November GENERAL ELECTION to be held November 3, 2015. The Special Election will be to fill the unexpired term of Council Seats Post 2 (expires 12/31/2015) and Post 5 (expires 12/31/2017).

The GENERAL ELECTION will be held to elect Council Posts 2, 4, and 6. QUALIFYING will be held in the City Clerk’s Office at Johns Creek City Hall which is located at 12000 Findley Road, Suite 400, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097. The qualifying fee for each council seat is $450.00 which is 3% of the total gross salary for the preceding year.

Each candidate shall file a notice of candidacy in the office of the City Clerk of Johns Creek between Monday, August 31, 2015 and Wednesday, September 2, 2015, the hours of qualifying will be from 8:30am to 12:30pm and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Each candidate must meet the qualifications of the Charter and Code of the City of Johns Creek, as well as all applicable state and constitutional laws.

Joan Jones, City Clerk

City of Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals, Public Hearing: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. City of Johns Creek Council Chamber 12000 Findley Road, Suite 300 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 The following Variance proposals located within The City of Johns Creek are scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above.

Case Number: Petitioner: Present Zoning: Property Location(s): Variance Request:

V-15-001 Maria Manzanero C-1 5700 Block of State Bridge Road To allow two wall signs on the same wall area

CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, February 5, 2015 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza (new City Hall), Alpharetta, Georgia. A workshop will also be held by the Planning Commission at 6:30p.m.

The following items will also be considered by the City Council on Monday February 23, 2015 commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza (new City Hall), Alpharetta, Georgia.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK RFP NUMBER #15-049 RECREATION & PARKS COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN The City of Johns Creek, Georgia Recreation and Parks Division is now accepting proposals for qualified professional services providers to develop a comprehensive Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan for its park system. Sealed RFP’s will be received no later than 2:00 P.M. on February 18, 2015 in the City of Johns Creek Purchasing Office, 12000 Findley Rd., Suite-400, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097. RFP’s received after the above time or in any other location other than the Purchasing Office will not be accepted. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on February 2, 2015 at 10:00AM at the City Hall location Chattahoochee Conference Room.

RFP packages and plans are available on the City of Johns Creek website (www.johnscreekga.gov) . Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Office at (678) 512-3233. RFP’s shall be presented in a sealed opaque envelope with the RFP number and name clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. The name of the company or firm submitting an RFP response should also be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. FIVE (5) ORIGINALS AND ONE (1) COPY OF THE RFP ON CD MUST BE SUBMITTED. RFP’s will not be accepted verbally or by fax or email. All offerors must comply with all general and special requirements of the RFP information and instructions enclosed herein.

The City of Johns Creek reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities, and to make award in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek.

Warren Hutmacher City Manager

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 43

Mike Bodker Mayor

a. CLUP-14-09/Z-14-14/V-14-31 Atwater Retail and Restaurant Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 2 acres from O-P and O-I to C2 as well as site plan approval on a C2 portion. A change to the Future Land Use Plan from “Corporate Office Campus” to “Commercial” and a parking variance. The property is located at 2665 and 2705 Old Milton Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 801, 802 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. PH-14-22 Tribble Alley Abandonment Consideration of abandonment of a portion of the Tribble Alley Right of Way. The alley is located between Old Milton Parkway and Westside Parkway within Land Lots 801,802, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia c. CLUP-15-02/Z-14-13/V-15-03 Spruell Subdivision Consideration of a request to rezone approximately 5 acres from AG to R-8D in order to develop 21 single family detached homes. A request to change the Comprehensive Land Use Plan from “Low Density” Residential to “Medium Density” Residential is also requested. A variance to allow a front setback variance is also requested. The property is located at 3500 Spruell Circle and is legally described as being located in Land Lot 7, 1st District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia. d. MP-14-10 Regency Park/iFly Consideration of a request to amend the Regency Park Masterplan in order to permit Commercial Recreation/Entertainment as a permitted use in POD 1. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lots 637,638,655 and 656, 1st District, Second Section, Fulton County, Georgia. e. PH-14-13 Downtown Master Plan Consideration of approval of the Downtown Master Plan. The area boundaries generally include Mayfield Road and Canton Street to the North; South Main Street and Allyson Circle to the South; Wills Road to the West; Westside Parkway to the East. f. PH-14-14 UDC Changes – MU & For Rent Housing Regulations Consideration of a change to the Unified Development Code in order to revise MU zoning district regulations and Dwelling, For-Rent Housing Regulations.

Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 South Main Street.

44 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald

COMMUNITY

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Hoban: How Rivermont superintendent keeps course green Continued from Page 1 Then the plants can feed themselves.

His fellow golf superintendents call Hoban “The Mad Scientist,” but that is more to describe his passion for what he does than in jest. In actuality, they are following his work quite closely. It is not only a “greener” way to go, it has the potential of savings thousands of dollars annually on the application of all of those chemicals and fertilizer.

That is why Hoban received the Environmental Leader in Golf award from the Georgia Golf Environmental Foundation (GGEF).

In making the award, the GGEF noted Hoban’s organic maintenance philosophy significantly reduces the use of water, fertilizer, pesticides and mowing. And not only is it environmentally friendlier, it saves the golf course money that can be used on other course enhancements.

“That’s important, because if you don’t have good greens on a golf course, you don’t have anything,” Hoban said.

Hoban works his magic by taking the worm’s eye view of not only what is going on at ground level but just below ground level.

“What we do is create a super abundance of rich microbes applied to the soil that in turn are fed on by protozoans and nematodes. The plant extracts nutrients from their excrement out of the soil when the microbes are eaten,” Hoban said.

“So we’re feeding the soil with microbes to feed the plants. This has greatly reduced our need for fertilizer, pesticides and fungicides in particular,” he said.

To get the billions upon billions of microbes he needs, Hoban has found a way to brew up supercharged vats of the little critters that can literally be blown off the top of this delicately heated mixture of food that they like. The brew or “tea” is then spread on the fairways.

Hoban says each batch that he brews has more microbes than all of the people who have ever lived on the planet. They supply naturally the nutrients that the turf needs.

Now here is where the worms come in. It turns out if you want to make microbe pizza, the best ingredient you can find is worm manure, also known as worm castings. It is rich in the nutrients that make the microbes grow, divide, grow, divide and so on.

Microscopic creatures such as protozoa and nematodes eat the microbes, and their waste provides more nutrients for the roots of the grass. The super abundance of microbes also draws them nearer the root systems, which absorb the nutrients more easily.

That means Hoban is also in the worm-farming business.

He raises them in a hothouse of worm beds and has no problem in feeding his worms like kings. That is because the kitchens and the waste baskets provide him with an endless supply of food and paper to compost. Worm pizza. And the worm castings are rich in the microbes.

Hoban is using the natural microbial nutrients – greatly enhanced to do the job of fertilizer he once bought by the pound to feed his fairways – at great cost savings.

A former Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Asso-

The additional acreage returned to its natural state has also created more wildlife habitat on the property as this heron can attest.

ciation president and chapter Superintendent of the Year in 2002, his environmentally friendly approach has not only won Hoban accolades from his peers but has attracted interest from the University of Georgia, which is doing research at the Rivermont course.

Hoban began his golf career with the Standard Club in 1971. He was always interested in bringing more natural techniques for the care and feeding of his golf course.

He introduced native grasses and plants to his golf course. He also introduced using natural brown river sand in bunkers instead of the bleached white sand so often used at other courses.

He met resistance from Augusta-philes, who wanted the traditional manicured courses and white sandy bunkers.

Chris Cupit, owner and general manager of Rivermont, bought into the idea of using more natural plants to surround the Rivermont course.

On the recommendation of a lifelong friend of his father’s, he lured Hoban away from the Standard Club.

When Hoban came to Rivermont, he came to a 40-year-old course that needed reinvigoration. It was the perfect place to introduce his ideas of a more natural course.

“I had a lot of resistance to the Georgia flora course I wanted to introduce [at the Standard Club]. But the golfers at Rivermont loved what I was doing,” Hoban said.

His biggest supporter was Cupit.

“While Mark and I shared a love of learning and trying new things, I never envisioned where we would be today,” Cupit said.

Hoban’s work with natural bio-feeding of the fairways is just the latest example.

In 2006 and along with golf architect Mike Riley the three of them shared a vision to create something unique to Atlanta. The new design incorporated native areas of grasses and sedges. They converted of 25 acres to natural native areas instead of groomed Bermuda grass.

“We wanted to create a ‘throwback course’ that celebrates the growing trend of minimalism and naturalness in golf architecture,” Cupit said.

“Our course features brown river sand instead of the artificially bleached bright white stuff dotting most golf courses around the country.”

Hoban said that is what golf courses ought to be doing, reflecting native plants and wildlife, rather than becoming some landscaped spectacle that is not natural to the envi-

Hoban’s work with fortified nutrient compost is part of a University of Georgia experiment. Here the compost is poured over a test strip of the fairway for comparison to a conventionally fertilized strip next to it.

One of the extra benefits of returning 25 acres of the golf course to its natural state has been the resurgence of wildflowers on the course, which also provide a source of nectar for honey bees. ronment.

“That’s a lot of acres that I don’t have to fertilize, reseed, water or mow. It has the added benefit of providing new habitat for native plants, animals and insects,” Hoban said. “We have wildflowers, bees, monarch butterflies and deer on the property.”

Cupit said the new look for Rivermont is a deliberate step back from the courses fans see on TV. “We took the approach of being the ‘anti-Augusta.’ We’re not trying to imitate their model of extreme maintenance and formality. There’s nothing wrong with it if you have a billion-dollar TV contract. But it is not a sustainable model for the other 99 percent of golf courses,” Cupit said.

His golfers tell Hoban they love the natural beauty and the

wildlife the course now has.

He has seen a reduction in overall plant disease, which means less chemicals to treat the acres, and that saves money as well. Just returning acreage to a natural state saves $15,000 to $20,000 annually, Hoban estimates.

Natural plants also replace carbon in the soil, and that is a benefit as well.

“And native plants on the edges create a great frame for the course,” he said. “The old course was brown in the winter and green in summer. Now we have year round color on the course.”

The scruffy-edged bunkers with river sand provide a more “classical” course as well.

The course is the first Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course in the Southeast located outside Florida.

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Varsity: Continued from Page 42

Boston College CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Ji Young Lee of Alpharetta has graduated cum laude from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Hamilton College CLINTON, N.Y. – The following local students have been named to the Dean’s List at Hamilton College for the 2014 spring semester: Rachael L. Feuerstein, daughter of Harry and Jill Feuerstein and a graduate of Alpharetta High School, is a rising junior majoring in psychology.

Jacob L. Wagner, son of George and Heather Wagner of Alpharetta and a Milton High School graduate, is a rising senior majoring in biology.

Armstrong Atlantic State University SAVANNAH, Ga. – Armstrong Atlantic State University in recently announced its President’s List honorees, each of whom earned a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters during the 2013-2014 academic school year.

The following local students

Blotter: Continued from Page 3 victim said she works with a man with that name. Police were able to determine one of the Amazon orders was allegedly sent to the home address of the coworker, Sebastian Vidrio-Banuelos, 19, of Cumming.

When he was confronted, Banuelos allegedly admitted to the theft of the victim’s credit card information. He was arrested Jan. 14 for identity fraud.

Vandals out in force Jan. 12 JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Several vehicles were damaged overnight Jan. 12 on Addison Lane when someone removed their catalytic converters.

The converters are valued at about $2,000 each.

During the same night, down the road on Old Alabama Road, six vehicles had windows smashed while they were parked late at night.

Two victims reported windows smashed and the interiors rummaged through.

were named to spring 2014 President’s List: Samantha Brown of Cumming, a senior early childhood education major, and Alyssa Plemmons of Cumming, a sophomore pre-radiologic sciences major.

Northern Illinois University DEKALB, Ill. – Richard Mitacek of Johns Creek has graduated from the University of Northern Illinois. Mitacek earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Business.

Clarkson University POTSDAM, N.Y. – Amoge Okolie of Suwanee is attending Clarkson University as an incoming freshman for the fall 2014 semester. Okolie will be majoring in chemical engineering.

Brenau University GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Brenau University student-athlete Sydney Danielle Koon of Johns Creek was named the NAIA Volleyball National Player of the Week. Koon was selected for her performances the week of Oct. 27 through Nov. 2. She helped guide Brenau to wins against Bethel and Martin Methodist in the Southern States Athletic Conference.

Also at Brenau, local students participated in the One victim reported her glove box was opened but nothing was missing. Another victim reported similar damage but a laptop computer was taken.

Shoplifter leaves purse, ID behind MILTON, Ga. – A suspected shoplifter who fled authorities July 25, 2014 and left her handbag behind was arrested Jan. 13.

Police say Tanya Anita Mings, 51, was seen pushing a grocery cart at the Windward Walmart filled with over $600-worth of goods. She allegedly walked past all registers and left the store. When employees tried to stop her, Mings left the cart and sped off in a nearby Jeep. Along with the goods, Ming left behind her purse, which contained her driver’s license.

A warrant was issued for her arrest and she was finally found Jan. 13.

Bobcat found disassembled MILTON, Ga. – Someone stole parts from a Bobcat earthmover Jan. 15.

Gainesville Theatre Alliance WonderQuest production of “Sleeping Beauty” Sept. 26 through Oct. 4. Among the local participants were Katie Keel of Johns Creek, Rebecca Martell of Cumming, Meredith Martin of Cumming, Amanda Willett of Cumming, Caitlin Cavanaugh of Suwanee and Sydney Rohrbaugh of Suwanee. All are majoring in theater.

St. Scholastica College DULUTH, Minn. – Lasaunia Johnson of Alpharetta graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a master’s degree in health information management.

Ga. Southwestern State University AMERICUS, Ga. – The following local students made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Georgia Southwestern State: Brennan Bauschka of Alpharetta, Matthew Dean of Cumming, Lindsey Fetner of Duluth and Cindy Ring of Suwanee. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or better and take a minimum 12 credit hours.

Wofford College SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Kevin Patrick Hady of Johns Creek and Logan Mackenzie MorWorkers on the site told police they came in to work that morning and discovered the Bobcat was disassembled.

Thieves had taken the front door, rear window and a motor from the machine.

The suspects had used shovels to dig under it in order to remove the track to get at the engine. The shovels were left behind. The vehicle is valued at $7,500.

Sibling rivalry leads to drug arrest?

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – A sister turned in her older brother for drug possession after he was caught smoking pot in their home.

The caller told police her 25-year-old brother was visiting the family’s High Falls Circle, Johns Creek, home from his Atlanta residence.

While there, the brother allegedly started smoking marijuana. The sister called 911.

The brother was found in possession of the pot and cooperated with police. He also had a warrant for his arrest out of Atlanta for failure to appear in court.

He was arrested on possession charges.

johnscreekherald.com | Johns Creek Herald | January 29, 2015 | 45 ris of Suwanee both made the spring 2014 Dean’s List at Wofford College.

Reinhardt University WALESKA, Ga. – The following local students graduated from Reinhardt University following the 2014 spring semester: Alex Kaplan of Alpharetta, bachelor’s degree in biology; Shane

DEATH NOTICES

Turner of Alpharetta, master’s degree in business administration; Andrea Wilson of Duluth, bachelor’s degree in business administration/ marketing; Jeremy Burns of Suwanee, bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing; and Laura Rusinyak of Suwanee, master’s degree in teaching in early childhood education.

Winnifred Dorene Bergan, 74, of Cumming, passed away January 16, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Edwin Donald Gravitt, 75, of Cumming, passed away January 20, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Douglas Besen, 76, of Cumming, passed away January 14, 2015.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home.

Lonnie Junior McBrayer, 78, of Cumming, passed away January 13, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

John Cecil Duncan Sr., 74, of Cumming, passed away January 19, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Dorothy Jean Ogletree, 87, of Cumming, passed away January 19, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

Katherine Marie Hendrix, 90, of Woodstock, passed away January 17, 2015.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home.

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WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI-- Z1-900(1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000(1976-1982), Z1R, KZ1000MK2(1979,80), W1-650, H1-500(1969-72), H2-750(1972-1975), S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI--GS400, GT380, HONDA--CB750K(1969-1976), CBX1000(1979,80)

$$ CASH $$

1-800-772-1142 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com

48 | January 29, 2015 | Johns Creek Herald | johnscreekherald.com

Submit your news & photos to news@appenmediagroup.com | Recycled paper

Your Beverage Stop For

THE

BIG GAME 6395 McGinni McGinnis is FFerry erry Rd Rd. dd.

Suite 304 Johns Creek, GA 30005 5

770-623-9044 Gin nis Fer ry

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141

MAXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BOTTLE SHOP

Med lock

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STORE HOURS: Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm Fri-Sat 10am-11:00pm Sun 12:30pm-7:00pm

GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeion General, women en should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk isk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems. ms.

All prices subject to change without notice.

WARNING: Must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol.

$59.99 1.75L

$39.99 1.75L

$35.99 1.75L